Growing wheatgrass at home is a simple and rewarding practice that can add both nutritional value and a touch of greenery to your living space.
As a gardening enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by how easy and quick it is to grow wheatgrass, making it perfect for those who enjoy seeing rapid results from their gardening efforts.
Wheatgrass is not only a superfood packed with nutrients but also a great way to introduce green gardening into your home, regardless of space limitations.
In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of growing wheatgrass, discuss some popular varieties, and provide care tips for successful growth.
Benefits of Growing Wheatgrass
1. Nutritional Boost
Wheatgrass is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and several B vitamins, as well as minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium. It’s also a fantastic source of chlorophyll, which has numerous health benefits.
2. Easy and Fast-Growing
Wheatgrass grows incredibly fast, with harvests ready in about 7-10 days. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for quick results and continuous harvests.
3. Indoor Gardening
Perfect for urban dwellers or those with limited outdoor space, wheatgrass can be easily grown indoors on windowsills or countertops, providing fresh greens year-round.
My Favorite Wheatgrass Varieties
While wheatgrass generally comes from the common wheat plant (Triticum aestivum), there are a few varieties that are particularly well-suited for growing as wheatgrass.
Here are three that I recommend:
1. Hard Red Winter Wheat
This is perhaps the most popular variety for growing wheatgrass. It’s known for its robust growth and high yield. The grass from this variety is thick and lush, making it ideal for juicing.
2. Soft White Wheat
If you prefer a milder flavor, soft white wheat is a great choice. It produces a slightly sweeter and more tender grass, which can be more palatable for some people.
3. Hard Red Spring Wheat
This variety is also commonly used for wheatgrass. It grows quickly and yields a richly colored, nutrient-dense grass.
Wheatgrass Care
Caring for wheatgrass is straightforward and accessible even for those new to gardening. This fast-growing plant requires minimal space and care, making it an excellent choice for indoor gardening.
Let’s explore the key aspects of wheatgrass care, including planting, light requirements, soil conditions, water needs, temperature and humidity preferences, and fertilization.
Planting
To start growing wheatgrass, begin by soaking the wheat seeds (also known as wheat berries) in water for about 8-12 hours.
Then, drain and rinse the seeds and let them sprout for a day or two. Once sprouted, spread the seeds evenly across a tray filled with a thin layer of organic potting soil or a soilless medium.
Lightly press the seeds into the soil but don’t cover them completely. The tray should have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Light
Wheatgrass doesn’t require intense light and can grow well in indirect sunlight. Placing it near a sunny window where it can get about 4-6 hours of sunlight per day is ideal.
If natural light is limited, you can use grow lights to provide the necessary light exposure.
Soil
A good-quality organic potting mix works well for growing wheatgrass. The soil should be able to retain moisture but also drain well.
Soil depth doesn’t need to be more than an inch or two, as wheatgrass roots are not deeply penetrating.
Water
Maintaining consistent moisture is key to growing healthy wheatgrass. Water the wheatgrass once or twice daily, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
A spray bottle can be used to mist the soil and seeds gently, especially in the early stages of growth.
Temperature and Humidity
Wheatgrass prefers a temperature range of 60-75°F, which is typically within the range of most indoor environments. It doesn’t require high humidity and can grow well in normal household humidity levels.
Fertilizer
Fertilization is generally not necessary for growing wheatgrass, especially if you’re using a quality potting mix. If you choose to fertilize, use an organic liquid fertilizer at a diluted strength.
However, most of the nutrients wheatgrass needs can be obtained from the seed itself and a good growing medium.
Harvesting Wheatgrass
Harvesting wheatgrass is as straightforward as its cultivation. The best time to harvest is when the shoots are about 6-7 inches tall, which typically takes about 7-10 days after planting.
At this stage, the wheatgrass has reached its nutritional peak. Use sharp scissors or a knife to cut the wheatgrass just above the soil level.
You can harvest the entire tray at once or cut just what you need and allow the rest to continue growing, though the second growth may not be as robust.
Pruning
Pruning isn’t a necessary practice for wheatgrass, as it is typically harvested only once and then replanted.
However, if you decide to see if a second growth is possible, you can trim the grass down to about half an inch above the soil after your first harvest and continue to water it to see if more grass grows back.
Propagating
Wheatgrass is propagated from seeds (wheat berries). Each round of growth requires a new batch of seeds, making it a plant that doesn’t propagate in the traditional sense.
To continue growing wheatgrass, simply start the process with new seeds each time you want to grow a fresh batch.
How to Grow Wheatgrass From Seed
Growing wheatgrass from seed is a quick and simple process. Start by soaking the wheat seeds overnight to accelerate germination.
After soaking, allow the seeds to sprout by draining them and keeping them in a jar or a sprouting tray for a day or two.
Once sprouted, spread the seeds on a tray filled with organic soil or a soilless growing medium. Water them well and place the tray in an area with indirect sunlight.
Keep the soil moist until the grass reaches the desired height for harvesting.
Growing in Pots
Wheatgrass can easily be grown in pots or shallow trays. Make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Fill the pot with a small amount of organic potting mix or a soilless medium and spread the sprouted seeds evenly across the surface. Like tray cultivation, keep the soil moist and place the pot in a spot with indirect sunlight.
Overwintering
Overwintering is not a concern for wheatgrass, as it is typically grown indoors and has a very short growing cycle.
Since it’s harvested just 7-10 days after planting, there’s no need to consider seasonal changes or overwintering strategies.
This makes wheatgrass an ideal plant for year-round indoor cultivation, regardless of the outdoor climate.
Transplanting
Transplanting is also not applicable to wheatgrass. Each batch is grown from seed and harvested completely, with no remaining plant that would require transplanting.
To grow more wheatgrass, simply start a new batch of seeds in a fresh tray or pot.
Common Pests & Diseases
Wheatgrass is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, especially when grown indoors. However, it can sometimes be susceptible to mold or mildew, especially if overwatered or if there’s insufficient air circulation.
To prevent these issues, ensure the growing area is well-ventilated and avoid overwatering. If mold does appear, it’s best to discard the affected wheatgrass and start a new batch, taking care to adjust the growing conditions.
Growing wheatgrass is a delightful and simple gardening activity that offers numerous health benefits and the pleasure of quick results.
It’s an excellent choice for those who want to incorporate more greens into their diet or for anyone looking to add a bit of greenery to their living space.
With minimal care and space required, wheatgrass is an ideal plant for gardeners of all levels and living situations.
Enjoy the journey of growing this superfood and the fresh, nutritious benefits it brings to your table.
