Einkorn, Wheat Seed

Einkorn Winter & Ancient Wheat Seed

Ancient einkorn delivers rich, nutty flavor and historic grain character
Diploid wheat carries fourteen chromosomes and a simple genome
Hulled kernels require dehulling before milling or cooking
Higher protein and antioxidant levels distinguish this early wheat

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Triticum monococcum

Days to maturity

100-140 Days

Sun

Full Sun

About Einkorn, Winter & Ancient Wheat Seed, Winter & Ancient Wheat Seed

Einkorn is the most ancient cultivated wheat and one of the earliest cereal crops grown by humans. As a diploid grain, it contains just two sets of chromosomes (14 total) compared to the six sets (42 chromosomes) found in modern hexaploid wheat, and it lacks the D genome often associated with wheat sensitivity in some people. Einkorn is a hulled wheat with a rich, nutty flavor and is widely valued for its higher levels of protein, minerals, and antioxidants compared to modern wheat, making it a nutritious and traditional choice for specialty baking and whole-grain use.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

Days to Germination

3–7 days

Row Spacing

Broadcast or Drill

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

48 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

1,125

Seed Type

Heirloom

Before Planting

Prepare for Winter & Ancient Wheat by selecting an open site with drainage and soil conditions suited to winter & ancient wheat. Control perennial weeds, remove heavy residue if it will interfere with seeding, and prepare a firm seedbed; use a soil test to correct major deficiencies. Confirm the planting window and termination plan before sowing, especially when the crop could overwinter or reseed.

Planting

For winter & ancient wheat, sow seed directly during its recommended seasonal window, when enough growing time remains for establishment. Broadcast or drill seed evenly, then roll or press the area to ensure firm seed-to-soil contact. Keep the surface moist until seedlings establish if rainfall is insufficient. These crops normally form a stand and are not thinned; use the separate seeding-rate guidance to control density.

Watering

Water winter & ancient wheat during establishment whenever rainfall is insufficient. Once rooted, field stands generally rely on rainfall; irrigate during prolonged drought only when continued growth is desired, avoiding saturated soil.

Fertilizer

Fertilize winter & ancient wheat according to soil-test results and the crop’s purpose. Use nitrogen only when needed for growth, avoiding overapplication that causes lodging, runoff, or excessive residue.

Harvesting

Harvest winter & ancient wheat grain when heads and stems turn dry, seeds are hard, and kernels cannot be easily dented. Cut plants before excessive shattering, finish drying if necessary, then thresh and clean.

Tips

Plan how and when winter & ancient wheat will be terminated before planting. Mow or incorporate before viable seed develops, and allow residue time to break down before sowing the following crop.

AVG. Seeding Rate

1½–3 lb./1,000 sq.ft.; 60–120 lb./acre

Pests & Diseases

Stripe, leaf, and stem rusts, Fusarium head blight, bunt, smut, and take-all affect winter and ancient wheats. Plant certified seed and resistant varieties, rotate cereals, and control volunteer grain. Never save seed from smutted heads or grain showing Fusarium bleaching, shriveling, or pink mold.

Armyworms, cutworms, aphids, grasshoppers, wireworms, and birds are the principal pests to monitor in winter & ancient wheat. Keep borders and grassy weeds managed, rotate fields, and use netting where bird losses justify it.