Wheatgrass is consider one of the easiest plants to grow at home, even if you’re not the best gardener.
Just by having the seeds and the sprouting kit, you could start your wheatgrass crop today and have it ready to harvest in about a week after planting.
So, what would be the best seeds for sprouting to grow wheatgrass?
3 Best Wheatgrass Seeds For Sprouting
Here are the standout wheatgrass seeds available in the market.
1. Back to the Roots Organic Wheatgrass Seeds
Back to the Roots Organic Wheatgrass Seeds are chemical-free and safe for humans and pets to consume.
Cats love this product because its crop offers fiber and protein and protects against hairballs. It also encourages digesting and nutrient absorption in humans.
These seeds are easy to grow; if you water it once a day, the crop will be ready for harvesting within a week after planting.
Typically, the yield is enough to last you and your pets at least a month.
And the nutrition? it is abundant.
Pros
- Easy to use and grow
- Value for money
- Safe for humans and pets
Cons
- Doesn’t come with an instruction guide
A serving of wheatgrass juice from the seeds contains vitamins B6 and E, manganese, and zinc and can be a nice addition to your workout shakes or to your pet’s food.
2. Handy Pantry Certified Organic Hard Red Wheat Sprouting Seed
When buying wheatgrass seeds, you’re faced with the choice between chemical-free and certified organic.
Both options are chemical-free, however, certified organic seeds contain natural organisms that support nutrient uptake when the seeds are grown in organic soil.
Handy Pantry offers certified organic wheatgrass seeds that contain many nutrients that contribute to better health.
For example, wheatgrass juice is a great source of chlorophyll, which serves as a detoxifying agent. Wheatgrass juice also provides fiber, which helps with constipation, and many vitamins that can help with immunity.
Pros
- High germination rate
- Organic, GMO-free seeds
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Suitable for large families
Cons
- Produces bad odor if soaked for many days
Moreover, each bag of this product contains enough seeds to fill a standard 10″ x20″ container.
3. COUNTRY CREEK ACRES Hard Red Non-GMO Wheatgrass
This product is a true all-rounder, able to grow in sprouting kits and in your garden. It is packed full of healthy nutrients and great for you and your pets, including cats, dogs, and rabbits.
Its versatility makes it a great gift for any animal lover. Also, it is a natural remedy for hairballs, which are caused by over-eating meals low in fiber.
It also is great for us humans to help with constipation and indigestion.
Pros
- Fast growth rate
- High nutritional value
- Suitable for humans and pets
Cons
- Some cats do not like it
Furthermore, the packaging bag is re-sealable. You can repurpose it for other uses once you sprout your seeds.
How to Grow Wheatgrass
Below is a systematic guide on how to sprout wheatgrass.
Requirements
Here’s what you’ll need before growing wheatgrass.
- Wheatgrass sprouting seeds
- Organic potting mix
- Shallow sprouting tray
- Glass container
- Strainer
- Newspaper
- Spray bottle with water
- A pair of scissors
Procedure
After gathering the required items, do the following:
Soak the Seeds Overnight
Next, you’ll want to put the germinating seeds into the glass container, then you will want to fill it up with water halfway.
If you have a lot of seeds, you might have to fill it up a little more.
The goal is to have the water’s meniscus above the seeds, by at least an inch.
After that – let them soak overnight. Soaking helps soften the seed coat and start the moisture absorption.
Prep the Growing Container
Add 1 inch of potting mix to your growing container.
Make sure it is evenly distributed over the baking tray.
Strain and Plant Your Seeds
The day after the seeds have been soaked, the water should be strained off, and the seeds should be sprinkled on top of the potting mix.
Next, they should be covered again with a light layer of dirt.
Water the Seeds
Water the seeds using the spray bottle.
Please do this moderately, as drenching increases the risk of mold and fungal infections.
Cover with Newspaper
Take a single piece of newspaper and cover the developed container with it, then water it until wet.
This will create a dark and moist environment, perfect for the wheatgrass seeds to germinate.
Once the newspaper is watered (and in the growing phase), check on it frequently to water the newspaper until you see sprouts.
Move the Sprouter to a Sunny Spot
Typically wheatgrass sprouts in the early morning of the third day after planting.
After sprouts appear, do take the plastic covering off. Also, move the sprouting container onto a table or counter with an ample amount of natural sunlight.
You’ll need to water the wheatgrass more frequently. If you are sprouting your wheatgrass indoors, you can provide it with artificial light instead of sunlight.
Harvest Your Crop
Your wheatgrass will be ready to harvest within seven days of planting.
Once ready, cut the grass with your scissors.
If you want the plant to continue growing, do not cut the entire blades. Do not cut more than ⅔ of the grass. If you cut the whole blade, do not expect growth.
IMPORTANT: It is not a good idea to regrow wheatgrass plants that you have had for a long time. The older the plant, the less nutritious it gets.
Factors to Consider before Sprouting Wheatgrass
Before you start sprouting wheatgrass, consider the following.
Wheatgrass Growing Trays
You can grow wheatgrass in a variety of containers: specialized microgreen trays, plastic kits, or take-out containers you’ve reused.
Generally, you will want to avoid regular plastic regardless of the container you choose. If you choose plastic, make sure is it food-grade BPA-free plastic.
Clay or glass is the best choice, because neither can leach anything into the soil and they’re non-toxic to humans. But these options will be more fragile than plastic.
Wheatgrass Seeds
Do not use “regular” seeds for sprouting.
It is important that you spend time finding some certified sprouting wheatgrass seeds with good reputation.
Most sprouting seeds are usually sold under some unique name which would identify its worth as a sprouting seed: for example, “wheatgrass berries” or “hard winter wheat.”
Potting Mix
You may opt for either soil or a soilless growing medium.
In either case, make sure it is organic.
Mixes that contain high levels of fertilizer can harm your seeds, or in the case when sprouts/babies are consumed, they can be harmful to one’s health.
Strainer
While small, a strainer makes it a faster and easier process to plant.
Whether it is made of metal or plastic, ensure that the holes in the strainer are smaller than the seed to avoid losing the seed through the holes.
Some of the trays specifically designed for wheatgrass come with a strainer built into the tray.
How to Use Wheatgrass
The majority of people drink wheatgrass juice mostly as a source of nutrition for their drinks, juices, and smoothies.
For example, you can add wheatgrass juice to your protein shake to enhance your workout with greater energy. Some people utilize the plant as garnish on their salads.
It is worth mentioning that wheatgrass juice can cause an upset stomach to some individuals, especially first-time users.
Other adverse effects may include:
- tiredness
- headaches
- and nausea
If this occurs, reduce your intake to 30ml for the first couple of drinks, then continue to add it as your body adapts to the plant.
Interestingly, wheatgrass juice has other uses besides ingestion.
For example, bathing in water induced with the juices can cleanse the skin and helps reduce acne and scarring.
Some even use the juice as a treatment for dandruff or softer skin.
The Benefits of Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is a nutritious herb. It has multiple vitamins (A, C, and E) and eight essential amino acids.
These are proteins your body can’t create meaning, you have to eat them.
The plant is also full of various minerals, including calcium, iron, and magnesium.
The plant also has tons of antioxidants.
They prevent cell damage from excessive oxidation. Over time, antioxidants decrease the risk of various cancers, heart disease, and other serious illness.
Wheatgrass is an awesome source of living chlorophyll, especially juice. Like plants, chlorophyll is equally precious to human beings. In humans, it supports blood formation and detoxification, diminishes tissue inflammation, and lowers the risk of various cancers.
And lastly, wheatgrass aids in regulating weight. It contains thylakoids that inhibit the release of ghrelin (the hormone that makes you hungry) and reduces appetite and increases the feeling of satiation.
Taking Care of Wheatgrass
The key component of caring for wheatgrass is to optimize the growing conditions.
The growing media should be damp but not soaked.
Provide sufficient lighting when they sprout. When harvesting your crop, use the right cutting equipment.
It is also recommended to use the growing media only once per planting cycle, as reusing it will consume the nutrients and you will not receive a good yield.
Final Words
Cultivating food doesn’t mean you have to delay your harvest for months or have large acreage.
Microgreens, including wheatgrass, are simple to grow, quick to mature, and require little maintenance.
Wheatgrass is healthy for you since it is nutritious. It boosts physical well-being and decreases the likelihood of many diseases. Plus, as any plant, it increases the visual appeal of your home.
What is your excuse? Grow wheatgrass today and reap the benefits!