Wheat Growing Guide

TriticumĀ aestivum

Wheat

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous 

Soil

Any well drained soil.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Many varieties are cold hardy to - 23C (-10F) when well rooted in the garden. Grow varieties described as soft spring wheat in spring, but choose hard winter wheat for autumn.

Feeding

When using wheat to improve very poor soil, mixing a balanced organic fertiliser into the soil before planting will give better results.

Spacing

Single Plants: 10cm (3") each way (minimum)
Rows: 10cm (3") with 10cm (3") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow in late summer or early autumn for an overwintered crop. Spring wheat can be planted while the soil is still cool. Broadcast seed into cultivated soil so that the seeds are about 7 cm (3in) apart and 1 cm (1/2in) deep. No thinning is required. Increase spacing to 20cm (8in) apart when growing wheat with other green manures.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Primarily grown to increase organic matter, break up dense subsoil and crowd out weeds. Makes a beautiful show in spring.

Harvesting

Mow down plants in spring, before they develop seeds. Or, gather the immature seed tops and dry them for arrangements, and then pull up the plants. They can be used as mulch or composted.

Troubleshooting

Deer often nibble wheat grown in winter.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Wheat