How to Grow Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is a perennial that's hardy in Zones 2-10. It's high in nutrients and contains iron, calcium, magnesium, amino acids, chlorophyll, and vitamins A, C, and E.

You can cut wheatgrass for eating at any stage but ideally when it reaches about 6 inches tall. The older the grass gets, the more bitter it tastes. Clip the grass just above the soil. Be careful when consuming homegrown wheatgrass that you don't ingest any that has mold, which can develop around the base of the shoots.

Where to Plant Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass can be grown in water, but it's usually grown indoors in a container filled with potting soil. You can sow seeds directly into the soil, but they get a head start when first sprouted in a jar. Grow the potted grass in bright, indirect light.

How and When to Plant Wheatgrass

How to grow wheatgrass begins with the right seeds. Although wheatgrass seeds are sometimes referred to as wheatberries, they're hard red winter wheat seeds. Wheatgrass seeds are readily available from health food stores or online outlets. When buying seeds from a seed retailer or agricultural supply store, you should purchase organic seeds if you plan to consume the grass.

Pour the wheatgrass seeds into a 1-quart glass jar. Add filtered room-temperature water, cover the opening with the lid, and shake to thoroughly rinse the seeds. Carefully drain the water using a strainer or a cap with tiny holes. After straining, cover the seeds with fresh filtered water.

Let the seeds soak in the water for eight to 12 hours at room temperature. Then, rinse and drain the sprouts. If the seeds aren't showing any signs of small white roots, allow them to sit in the drained but moist jar for another eight to 12 hours, rinsing and draining until the roots grow.

One cup of sprouted wheatgrass seeds covers the soil in a pot 7 inches in diameter or several smaller pots. Choose a container at least 2-1/2 to 3 inches deep.

Wheatgrass Care Tips

Wheatgrass for consumption can be grown indoors. It grows quickly and is ready to use in under two weeks.

Light

Place wheatgrass trays or containers in a location where they'll get plenty of indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can damage the delicate shoots.

Soil and Water

Soil for growing wheatgrass should be a lightweight potting mix (garden soil is too dense). Moisten the potting mix and place it in the pot, leaving about 1 inch of room between the soil and the top of the container. Keep the soil lightly damp with a sprayer, misting it up to twice a day to maintain moisture. The tiny wheatgrass plants die if you allow the soil to dry out.

Temperature and Humidity

To avoid mold growth, keep the air around wheatgrass plants dry. Use a fan to keep the air circulating, and maintain a temperature of around 68ºF.

Fertilizer

Fertilize with a diluted liquid kelp fertilizer every other day while it's growing.

Pruning

Pruning isn't necessary for wheatgrass. Trim cuttings to use as you need them.

Like your lawn, wheatgrass continues to grow after you clip it. Still, the nutritional properties are lower with the second cutting. So it's best to compost or dispose of the sprouts and potting mix and start another batch.

Pests and Problems

When grown outdoors, wheatgrass can become infested with black grass bugs. There's no insecticide that can treat plants with this kind of pest, so it's hard to control.

When grown indoors, the most common concern is mold. Take the steps to keep mold from developing on your plants.

How to Propagate Wheatgrass

Once your seeds have sprouted, they're ready for propagation.

Spread the sprouted wheatgrass seeds across the soil in a dense layer about one or two seeds deep. With a spray bottle, gently water the soil so it's damp but not soggy.

Loosely cover the top of the pot with plastic wrap, a shower cap, or other material to keep moisture from quickly evaporating. Place the pot in a warm location, about 70 to 75°F, but away from direct sunlight.

Check the wheatgrass seeds daily. It should be actively growing in three to five days. When the seeds have buried themselves in the potting soil and you see green shoots, remove the protective covering and move the pot to an indoor location in bright sunlight.