Wheatgrass is the freshly sprouted first leaves of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum, often consumed as a nutrient-dense juice. It is a source of chlorophyll, amino acids, and various vitamins, including A, C, E, K, and B complex. Growing wheatgrass successfully at home requires understanding a specific sequence of steps, from seed preparation to harvest. This guide provides a practical method for cultivating vibrant wheatgrass indoors for personal use.
Essential Materials and Setup
Cultivating healthy wheatgrass begins with assembling the correct supplies, starting with the seeds themselves. Source high-quality, organic hard red winter wheat seeds, often sold as wheat berries. Avoid seeds intended for field crops, which may contain antifungal treatments, to ensure the best germination rate.
The growing container should be a shallow tray, approximately 10 by 20 inches, with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Fill the tray with about one inch of organic potting soil or coco fiber. Press the medium lightly to remove air pockets and create a firm surface for the roots.
Wheatgrass requires a room temperature environment, ideally between 60°F and 80°F. The location should receive indirect sunlight once the green shoots appear. Keep a secondary tray or humidity dome nearby, as it will be used to cover the seeds during the initial germination period.
Preparing the Seeds for Planting
The pre-soaking and sprouting process, known as germination, is a foundational step that softens the seed coat and improves the planting success rate. Begin by rinsing the wheat berries thoroughly under cool water to remove debris. Soak the seeds in filtered water for 8 to 12 hours.
Following the initial soak, drain the water completely and rinse the seeds again. Leave the moist seeds in a drained container at room temperature for one to two days. During this time, rinse and drain the seeds every 8 to 12 hours to maintain moisture and prevent mold.
The seeds are ready for planting when tiny white rootlets, or tails, become visible. These small roots signal that the seed has transitioned from dormancy and is prepared to anchor itself into the growing medium. Planting too early or waiting until the roots are too long can reduce the final yield.
From Tray to Sprout: The Initial Growth Cycle
Once the seeds are sprouted, prepare the tray by pre-moistening the one-inch layer of soil or fiber medium. Ensure the medium is damp without being saturated. Spread the germinated seeds across the entire surface in a dense, single layer, with the seeds touching but not piled on top of one another.
Lightly mist the sown seeds with water and press them gently into the medium to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. The tray then enters a darkness phase, achieved by covering it with a second tray or lid to block light and maintain high humidity. This initial darkness period is maintained for about three to four days, during which the seeds focus their energy on root development.
Mist the tray once or twice daily to keep the surface moist. After three to four days, when the grass shoots are approximately one to two inches tall, remove the cover and move the tray to an area with bright, indirect light.
Daily Care and Harvesting Techniques
After the darkness phase, the focus shifts to maintaining an environment that promotes rapid, healthy growth without encouraging mold. Proper air circulation is important once the cover is removed, which can be achieved by placing the tray near a slightly open window or a small fan. Watering should transition from misting to a more substantial method as the roots mature.
To prevent over-saturation and reduce the risk of mold, many growers utilize bottom watering, pouring water into a tray beneath the growing container. This allows the roots to absorb moisture as needed. Alternatively, water lightly from the top daily until water begins to seep from the drainage holes. The goal is to keep the medium consistently moist but never waterlogged.
The wheatgrass will be ready for harvest typically between seven and ten days after planting, or when the blades reach a height of six to eight inches. The optimal harvest time is signaled by the appearance of a second blade splitting from the first shoot, indicating the plant has reached its peak nutritional concentration, known as the jointing stage. To harvest, use clean, sharp scissors or a knife to cut the grass approximately half an inch above the soil.