Wheatgrass, the young shoots of the Triticum aestivum plant, has gained widespread popularity as a health supplement, commonly consumed in concentrated juice or “shot” form. This verdant grass is highly valued for its dense concentration of vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll. Cultivating wheatgrass at home offers a fresh, continuous supply of this nutrient-rich food without the recurring cost of store-bought juice. Growing your own crop requires attention to specific environmental and preparatory details, ensuring a healthy harvest in about a week.
Seed Preparation and Planting
The journey begins with selecting organic, hard red winter wheat berries, the seeds used for wheatgrass cultivation. These seeds must be activated through soaking and sprouting before introduction to the growing medium. Start by placing the seeds in a container with water for an initial soak, typically lasting 8 to 12 hours, allowing the seeds to expand as they absorb moisture.
Following the soaking period, the water is drained, and the seeds enter the germination phase, requiring rinsing and draining twice a day for approximately 48 hours. This encourages the emergence of small white root tails, signaling that the seeds are ready for planting. Prepare a shallow tray with drainage holes and a 1 to 2-inch layer of organic potting mix or compost. The sprouted seeds should then be spread across the soil surface in a dense, single layer, touching one another but without overlapping, which is essential for a thick final crop.
Light, Water, and Temperature Management
Proper environmental conditions are necessary for the transformation of sprouted seeds into vibrant, green wheatgrass blades. The ideal growing temperature ranges between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C), as warmer temperatures can accelerate growth but also increase the risk of fungal issues.
Once the sprouts emerge from the soil and reach about one inch in height, they need to be moved to a location that receives bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight is too intense and can scorch the delicate blades or prematurely dry out the soil.
Watering should be managed carefully to maintain consistent moisture without oversaturation, a common cultivation error. In the early stages, a fine mist application once or twice daily is sufficient to keep the seeds and soil moist. As the grass grows taller, gentle watering should be done once a day, allowing excess water to drain completely. Adequate air circulation is also necessary; positioning a small fan nearby for a few hours daily prevents the humid microclimate that encourages mold growth.
The Proper Way to Harvest
The time for harvest typically arrives when the wheatgrass blades reach a height of 6 to 8 inches, usually between 7 and 10 days after planting. A visual indicator of peak nutritional content is the emergence of a small, secondary shoot, often called the “jointing stage” or “split leaf”. Harvesting at this point ensures the highest concentration of beneficial compounds like chlorophyll and enzymes before the plant begins to transition into a grain-producing stage.
To harvest, use clean, sharp scissors or a knife to cut the grass just above the seed line, aiming for about one-quarter to one inch above the soil. Cutting too close to the soil can introduce mold or soil particles into the juice, while cutting too high leaves valuable juice in the stubble. If the roots and base remain healthy, the tray can be watered again for a second, smaller harvest. This subsequent yield is usually less tender and contains fewer nutrients than the first cutting. For a continuous supply, a new batch of seeds should be soaked and planted every few days.
Addressing Common Issues (Mold and Pests)
The most frequent challenge faced by home cultivators is the development of mold, which often appears as a white, cottony, or fuzzy growth near the soil surface. This fungal growth is caused by excessive moisture, poor drainage, or insufficient air movement around the densely packed seeds. To prevent mold, confirm that the growing tray has functional drainage holes, reduce the frequency or volume of watering, and ensure a gentle breeze from a fan is circulating over the grass.
Another issue is the presence of small insect pests, such as fungus gnats, which thrive in moist soil environments. These insects are generally a nuisance rather than a threat to the grass itself, but their larvae can damage the root system. Managing the watering schedule is the most effective defense against gnats, as they require damp soil to reproduce. For established infestations, applying organic treatments like sticky yellow traps or a diluted neem oil solution helps control the population.