Wheat
Triticum spp. · Poaceae
- Sow outdoors2–6 weeks before the last frostFeb 27 – Apr 2
- Plant in autumn4–8 weeks before the first autumn frostAug 30 – Oct 3
- Space5–10 cm (2–4 in) apart
- Harvest90–130 days after plantingMay 28 – Aug 31
Description
Wheat is a cereal grain that belongs to the grass family. The plant is cultivated worldwide and is one of the most important staple foods for a large portion of the global population. Wheat grains are ground into flour and used to make a variety of food products, including bread, pasta, and pastries. The plant has long slender stems and produces spikes of grain heads.
Growing Conditions
0.6–1.2 m (2–4 ft) tall, 10–20 cm (4–8 in) wide
- Smallest
- Largest
Full sun, 6+ hours
Moderate
Keep evenly moist, not soggy.
Ideal 15–24 °C (59–75 °F)
pH 6–7.5 · neutral
Where it Grows
Planting
When to Plant
Wheat is typically planted in either the fall (winter wheat) or spring (spring wheat), depending on the climate conditions and specific variety being grown.
How to Plant
Wheat is usually sown using conventional drill rows. The soil should be well-prepared, with a pH level of around 6.0 to 7.0. Seeds should be planted at a depth of 1 to 2 inches.
Growth Timeline
- Germination 5–10 days
- Growing 90–130 days
- Harvest 1–2 weeks
Planting Calendar
- Sow outdoors: 2–6 weeks before the last frost
- Autumn planting: 4–8 weeks before the first autumn frost
- Germination: 5–10 days
- Sow outdoors: Feb 27 – Apr 2
- Autumn planting: Aug 30 – Oct 3
- Harvest: May 28 – Aug 31
Care
Care Calendar
- Feed · Mar 13 – Apr 16
Feed spring wheat at sowing, or give established winter wheat a modest spring feeding if needed. - Feed · Aug 30 – Oct 3
For winter wheat, work compost or a soil-test-recommended fertilizer into the bed before sowing. - Protect · May 22 – Aug 6
Cover ripening heads with securely supported bird netting, checking often for trapped wildlife.
Watering
Wheat requires moderate watering, approximately 12 to 20 inches throughout the growing season. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent disease.
Weeding
Regular weeding is essential to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Mulching can assist in preventing weed growth.
Mulching
Applying mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and moderate soil temperature during the growing season.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing is usually done at planting time with a balanced fertilizer. Additional applications of nitrogen may be necessary as the plants develop.
Thinning
Thinning is typically not necessary; however, if seedlings are too crowded, they can be selectively removed to promote better air circulation and growth.
Pest Management
Monitoring for pests such as aphids and armyworms is crucial. Integrated pest management (IPM) techniques should be employed to minimize chemical usage.
Harvesting
Harvesting typically occurs when the wheat grains are hard and the moisture content is around 14-20%. Timing is important to avoid loss from shattering or mold.
Growing in Containers
Grows well in a pot of at least 15 litres (4.0 US gallons), with drainage holes. Best kept outdoors.
Propagation
From seed
- Choose seed of a wheat variety suited to your climate and planting season.
- Sow winter wheat in autumn or spring wheat in early spring.
- Plant grains about 2–3 cm deep in a sunny, prepared bed.
- Water gently and keep the soil moist until seedlings emerge.
Companion Plants
Good neighbors
- Clover: Underseeded clover covers the soil after wheat harvest and adds nitrogen for the next crop.
- Peas: In mixed sowings, wheat stalks can support peas, whose residues add nitrogen to the soil.
Common Problems
- Orange or rust-colored spots
- Spots on leaves
- Yellowing leaves
- Leaves dropping
Rust is a group of plant diseases caused by fungi in the order Pucciniales, not a single species. Different rust fungi…
- White powdery coating
- Yellowing leaves
- Curled or cupped leaves
- Distorted new growth
Powdery mildew is a group of fungal diseases, not a single species. Different fungi infect different hosts, including…
- Yellowing leaves
- Sticky residue on leaves
- Black sooty coating
- Curled or cupped leaves
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed by piercing plants and drawing out sap. The group includes many…
- Holes in leaves
- Stems chewed or cut through
- Flowers or buds dropping
Birds are a class of animals, not a single pest species. In gardens, their effects depend on the species, season, and…
- Wilting
- Yellowing leaves
- Stunted growth
- Leaves dropping
Crown rot is a general name for decay at a plant’s crown: the junction where stems meet roots, usually at or just…
- Fusarium Head Blight
- Leaf Rust
- Aphids and Other Pests
- Root Rot (caused by fungi)
Nutrition
Nutritional Benefits
- High in carbohydrates
- Good source of protein
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, iron, and magnesium
Nutritional Composition (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 339 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 71.0 g |
| Protein | 13.0 g |
| Fat | 2.5 g |
| Fiber | 12.2 g |
| Iron | 3.6 mg |
| Magnesium | 107 mg |
Varieties
This historic spring wheat produces grain suited to bread flour.
- heirloom
- bread wheat
Sow this traditional bread wheat in autumn for a summer harvest.
- heirloom
- bread wheat
This wheat is well suited to warm, dry growing regions.
- heirloom
- drought tolerant
Glenn is a modern spring wheat grown for strong bread flour.
- bread wheat
- high protein
More about varieties
- Hard Red Winter Wheat
- Hard Red Spring Wheat
- Soft Red Winter Wheat
- White Wheat
- Durum Wheat
Health Benefits
- Supports heart health
- Aids in digestion and weight management
- May help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes
Fun Facts
- Wheat is one of the oldest cultivated crops, with evidence of domestication dating back over 10,000 years.
- There are over 25,000 different types of wheat cultivated worldwide.
- Wheat plants can grow to a height of up to 4 feet (1.2 meters).
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