Overview
Triticum aestivum is a clump forming, columnar upright annual biennial in the genus Triticum, part of the Poaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1 year. Triticum aestivum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include prairie planting and wildflower meadow.
About
Triticum aestivum is a resilient annual that has been cultivated for centuries as a staple cereal grain. Its leaves are elongated and have a greyish-green hue. In summer, the plant produces flowers, followed by seed maturation in late summer and autumn.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Triticum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Triticum aestivum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Triticum aestivum
- Cultivation
- Grow in full sun on fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, sown in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to birds
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a rust
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Triticum aestivum?
Grow in full sun on fertile, moist but well-drained soil.
Where is the best place to plant Triticum aestivum?
Triticum aestivum prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Triticum aestivum need?
Triticum aestivum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Triticum aestivum?
No pruning required.
How big does Triticum aestivum grow?
Triticum aestivum reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1 year to reach full size.
Is Triticum aestivum hardy in the UK?
Triticum aestivum has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Triticum aestivum?
Propagate by seed, sown in spring or autumn.