It is entirely possible to plant wheat in the spring, provided the specific variety chosen is suited for that growing season. Wheat is broadly categorized into two types based on its planting schedule. Spring planting requires selecting a variety, known as spring wheat, that is bred to complete its life cycle within the shorter summer months. This type bypasses the need for the long period of winter dormancy required by its counterpart, winter wheat. The fundamental difference between the two varieties is rooted in their biological response to cold temperatures, which dictates the timing of planting.
Distinguishing Spring Wheat from Winter Wheat
The ability of a wheat plant to produce a grain head is governed by vernalization. This is a process where the plant must be exposed to a prolonged period of cold temperatures to trigger the switch from vegetative to reproductive growth. Winter wheat requires this chilling period, typically 30 to 60 days between 32 and 41°F (0 to 5°C), to prepare for flowering and grain production the following spring. Without this cold exposure, winter wheat will continue to grow vegetatively but will not set seed.
Spring wheat lacks this vernalization requirement, allowing it to be planted in the spring and still produce a harvestable crop later that same year. Winter wheat is typically sown in the fall (September to November) to establish a root system and satisfy the vernalization requirement over winter. Spring wheat is planted much later, beginning in late March or April, and is harvested in the late summer.
Planting a winter wheat variety in the spring will result in a field of green, leafy plants that never develop grain heads. Therefore, selecting the proper seed type is necessary for a successful spring crop. Spring wheat is primarily grown in regions with harsh winters where a fall-planted crop would not survive, or in areas where the growing season is short.
Optimal Timing and Seedbed Preparation
Timing is a significant factor in the successful cultivation of spring wheat, as planting must occur as soon as the soil can be worked. The optimal planting window generally opens in late March and extends through April, depending on the geographic location and climate. Spring wheat should be planted when the average soil temperature at a two-inch depth exceeds 40°F (4.4°C).
Planting too late can substantially reduce the crop’s yield potential. Early planting allows the crop to utilize spring moisture efficiently and complete the grain-filling process before the onset of intense summer heat. The seedbed must be firm and free of excessive moisture to ensure uniform seed-to-soil contact, which aids in rapid and consistent emergence.
The recommended seeding depth for spring wheat is typically between one and two inches. Planting shallower than one inch risks poor contact between the seed and soil, especially if the seedbed is dry. Planting deeper than two inches can hinder the seedling’s ability to emerge, as spring wheat varieties do not possess the same capacity for hypocotyl elongation as winter wheat.
Growth Cycle, Yield Expectations, and Quality
The growth cycle of spring wheat is condensed compared to its fall-planted counterpart, typically lasting only 100 to 130 days from planting to harvest. This rapid development means the plants are sensitive to environmental stress. Growers aim to ensure that the critical flowering and grain-filling stages occur before the high temperatures of mid-July and August, which can severely reduce both yield and grain quality. Managing the crop’s nutrient and water needs during the short season is a significant factor in determining the final yield and quality.
While winter wheat generally produces higher overall yields, spring wheat varieties are prized for their grain quality. Spring wheat, particularly Hard Red Spring Wheat, typically has a higher protein content than winter wheat. This makes it desirable for milling into flour used for high-quality bread.
Achieving this high protein level is closely linked to the availability of nitrogen, especially during the later stages of growth. Nitrogen uptake that occurs after the boot stage contributes most directly to grain protein concentration. The harvest of spring wheat usually takes place between late July and September, depending on the planting date and the variety’s maturity rating.