How to Grow Hard Red Winter Wheat TAM 111
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Hard Red Winter Wheat TAM 111
Triticum aestivum
grassTAM 111 is a hard red winter wheat variety developed by Texas A&M University, known for excellent disease resistance, particularly to leaf rust and powdery mildew. It produces high-quality grain suitable for bread flour and is well-adapted to the Southern Plains and Great Plains regions. This winter wheat is planted in fall, overwinters, and is harvested the following summer.
When should you plant Hard Red Winter Wheat TAM 111 in your zone?
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Example Hard Red Winter Wheat TAM 111 timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Hard Red Winter Wheat TAM 111
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Hard Red Winter Wheat TAM 111
Around Sep 14≈ 150 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hard Red Winter Wheat TAM 111 dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-8, particularly suited to Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and surrounding regions
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Germination & Establishment
2-3 weeksSeeds germinate and produce initial roots and shoots, establishing before winter dormancy
Plant in late September to mid-October; ensure adequate soil moisture at planting; avoid planting too early to reduce Hessian fly and disease pressure
Winter Dormancy & Tillering
4-5 monthsPlant enters dormancy during winter months; tillers (side shoots) develop from the base during late winter and early spring
Minimal management during dormancy; apply pre-emergent herbicide if needed for weed control; monitor for winter injury or disease
Vegetative Growth (Spring)
6-8 weeksRapid leaf and stem growth resumes as temperatures warm; plant reaches jointing stage where nodes become visible
Apply spring nitrogen fertilizer in late February to early April; monitor for disease (leaf rust, powdery mildew) and apply fungicides if threshold exceeded; manage weeds
Heading & Flowering
2-3 weeksSpike (head) emerges from the flag leaf; florets bloom and are pollinated; grain begins to develop
Critical period for yield determination; maintain adequate moisture; avoid herbicide application during this sensitive phase; scout for Fusarium head blight and insects
Grain Fill & Maturity
3-4 weeksKernels enlarge and accumulate starch and proteins; plant transitions from green to golden-brown; moisture content drops from 30% to 12-14%
Avoid excessive nitrogen late in season; monitor moisture for optimal harvest timing; protect grain from bird damage if necessary
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Plant after local fly-free date; use resistant varieties; destroy infested stubble; rotation with non-host crops
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Scout fields regularly; apply insecticides if threshold of 2-4 larvae per square foot exceeded; resistant varieties help
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Monitor in fall and spring; apply insecticides if needed; natural predators provide control in many cases
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Maintain adequate moisture; apply insecticides if threshold of 10+ bugs per square foot reached; crop rotation
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Use resistant varieties (TAM 111 has good resistance); apply insecticides if needed; encourage natural enemies
Uses
Bread Flour & Baking
CulinaryTAM 111 produces high-protein hard red winter wheat ideal for commercial and artisan bread baking, with strong gluten development for superior bread structure and shelf life. [source]
Whole Grain Products
CulinaryThe grain can be milled into whole wheat flour for nutritious whole grain breads, cereals, and baked goods. [source]
Livestock Feed
HouseholdHigh-quality grain serves as nutritious feed for cattle, poultry, and other livestock, providing essential carbohydrates and proteins. [source]
Wildlife Cover & Food
WildlifeWheat fields provide winter cover and food sources for game birds, waterfowl, and beneficial insects; residue supports soil biology. [source]
Whole Grain Health Benefits
MedicinalWheat contains fiber, B vitamins, and minerals; whole grain wheat has been associated with cardiovascular and digestive health benefits. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when grain moisture drops to 12-14% for safe storage, typically late May to early July in the Southern Plains. Cut when stalks turn golden-brown and kernels are hard (difficult to dent with fingernail). Use combine with grain cart; store in cool, dry conditions with moisture below 12% to prevent mold
Fun Facts
- 🌱 TAM 111 was specifically developed by Texas A&M University to withstand the climate challenges of the Southern Great Plains, making it particularly valuable for farmers in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas
- 🌱 Hard red winter wheat gets its 'hard' designation from its high protein and gluten content (typically 12-15%), which makes it ideal for bread production, distinguishing it from soft white or soft red wheat used in pastries
- 🌱 Winter wheat is planted in fall rather than spring, allowing it to use winter moisture and establishing roots before the growth rush of spring, which often results in higher yields and more efficient water use than spring-planted varieties
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