Oats, Black

Avena sativa. Hulled oat from a biodynamic farm in England. Very ornamental, dark brown, almost black hull. If left in the field too long the sun bleaches the black to brown. Oats are tasty when hull is removed, then rolled for porridge. Most hulled varieties are used for cover crop or feed.
 
Direct Sow in weed free, well prepared soil March-April, during a warm dry spell if possible. Oats are usually frost tolerant down to 10 °F. Fertility and irrigation needs are very low if you have decent soil. Harvest for grain when seeds are dry and plants are no longer green. Dance, rub, or flail seeds from seedheads. Winnow to clean in front of a fan or steady breeze.
 
1/4 oz packet ≈ 250 seeds. $3.00