The soil texture can range from light sands to heavy clays with the best germination occurring in heavier soils. Moisture conditions can be equally as broad, from dry to wet. Therefore, infestation sites can vary from cultivated fields and pastures to disturbed lands and waste areas. Life Cycle Emergence and Development Foxtail barley emerges from seeds and vegetative buds. The buds are located in the crown slightly below the soil surface.
Shoots appear from the crown early in spring.
Typically, the number of stems increase each year, enlarging the crown. Tillering also is common, increasing the potential number of seed heads. Seeds generally germinate in the fall, though some spring germination occurs. Seeds on the soil surface or only slightly buried will have the highest germination rate. Seed survival is greatest on the soil surface.