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Einkorn Wheat
Triticum monococcum
Reviewed by Kiersten Rankel M.S.
QUICK ANSWER
Einkorn Wheat grows only from seed. Sow grains a half inch deep in fall or early spring and seedlings emerge in 7 to 14 days. Einkorn does not propagate from cuttings or division since it is an annual grass that completes its life cycle in one growing season.
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From seed
Time
7–14 days germination
Level
Beginner
Success rate
High
You'll need
Untreated Einkorn Wheat seed (whole grains in the hull)
Garden bed or large container
Compost or aged manure
Hand rake or garden hoe
Watering can with rose head
Bird netting (optional)
1
Source whole hulled seed
Buy Einkorn seed sold for planting, not for milling. The seed must still be in its hull since Einkorn is a hulled wheat and shed grain often does not germinate well. Look for fresh seed from the most recent harvest year.
2
Pick the right planting window
Sow winter Einkorn in early fall 6 to 8 weeks before the first hard frost so plants establish before winter.
Sow spring Einkorn 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost date. Either window works since Einkorn tolerates cold from emergence.
Sow spring Einkorn 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost date. Either window works since Einkorn tolerates cold from emergence.
3
Prepare a fine seedbed
Work compost into the top 6 inches of soil and rake the surface smooth. Einkorn tolerates poor soil but produces better tillers and grain in moderately fertile loam. Remove any large clods that would interfere with shallow seed contact.
4
Sow at half inch depth
Broadcast seed at about 2 ounces per 100 square feet or sow in rows 6 inches apart. Cover with a half inch of soil and tamp lightly. Einkorn buried deeper than an inch struggles to push the first leaf to the surface.
5
Water and protect from birds
Water gently with a rose head until the surface is evenly moist. Drape bird netting over the bed if sparrows or finches are common in your area since they will strip newly sown seed within hours.
6
Wait for tillering
Single green blades emerge in 7 to 14 days. Each plant produces 3 to 6 tillers (side shoots) over the next several weeks.
Tillering is what creates the grain yield, so do not thin too aggressively. Einkorn grows for 100 to 130 days from germination to harvest.
Tillering is what creates the grain yield, so do not thin too aggressively. Einkorn grows for 100 to 130 days from germination to harvest.
WATCH FOR
Patchy germination with bare areas across the bed. This usually means seeds were sown too deep or the soil crusted over after watering. Re-sow bare patches with seeds at a half inch depth and keep the surface gently moist until sprouts emerge to prevent crusting.
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About This Article
Kiersten Rankel M.S.
Botanical Data Lead at Greg · Plant Scientist
Editorial Process
Propagation methods verified against Triticum monococcum growth data from Greg's botanical database, cross-referenced with USDA hardiness zone data and published horticultural research.
USDA hardiness zones 5a–8b
Citations:
Britannica
Britannica