How to Grow Wichita Wheat

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Wichita Wheat

Triticum aestivum 'Wichita'

grass

Wichita is a hard red winter wheat variety bred specifically for the Great Plains region. It is known for its disease resistance, good yield potential, and suitability for both grain production and forage. This cold-hardy cultivar was developed by Kansas State University and is well-adapted to semi-arid climates.

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Example Wichita Wheat timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Wichita Wheat
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Wichita Wheat
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Wichita Wheat dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; more is better for grain production

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Water: Moderate; requires 12-15 inches annually from rainfall and/or irrigation. Winter wheat relies heavily on fall and spring moisture. Drought-tolerant once established.

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Spacing: Broadcast or drill at 1.2 to 1.5 million seeds per acre (roughly 1-2 inches apart in rows 6-8 inches apart for home gardens) inches

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Days to maturity: 120-150 days from spring growth to harvest (dormant over winter; total cycle is 8-9 months)

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Planting depth: 1-1.5 inches deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to clay loam soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or well-rotted manure for organic matter Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers as needed based on soil test

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 4-8, particularly suited to the central Great Plains

4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

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Growth Stages

Fall Establishment

6-8 weeks before dormancy

Seeds germinate in autumn and develop a root system and a few tillers before entering winter dormancy. Seedlings are small, grass-like, with 3-4 leaves.

Plant in late September to October depending on location. Ensure good soil contact. Adequate moisture is critical for germination and establishment. Wichita is cold-hardy and will survive winter freezing.

Winter Dormancy

December-February

The plant is essentially inactive, with energy stored in the crown and root system below ground. Above-ground growth is minimal or absent.

No active management needed. Winter wheat requires cold vernalization (freezing temperatures) to flower properly. Monitor for winter kill in extreme conditions (zones 4-5 are on the margin).

Spring Growth & Tillering

4-6 weeks (March-April)

As temperatures warm in spring, the plant resumes growth. Additional tillers develop and leaf area increases. Plant height reaches 3-6 inches by late spring.

Apply nitrogen fertilizer in early spring (late February to March) to support vigorous growth and tiller development. Monitor for early pests and diseases. Adequate moisture is important during this stage.

Stem Elongation & Boot Stage

3-4 weeks (April-May)

The plant rapidly elongates, reaching full height of 24-36 inches. Heads form inside the leaf sheath (boot stage) and begin to emerge.

Avoid excessive nitrogen at this point to prevent lodging (falling over). Monitor for diseases like stripe rust or powdery mildew. Adequate soil moisture supports stem strength.

Heading & Flowering

7-10 days

The spike (head) fully emerges from the sheath. Flowers open, and pollination occurs. Spike is initially green, gradually turning golden.

Monitor for Hessian flies and other heading-stage pests. Adequate moisture during grain fill is critical for yield. Fungal diseases can impact head health; ensure good air circulation.

Grain Fill & Maturity

3-4 weeks (May-June)

Kernels develop and accumulate starch and protein. Heads continue to turn golden-tan. Kernels harden; plants dry out progressively.

Minimize irrigation unless drought stress is severe. Monitor grain moisture for harvest timing. No further fertilizer needed. Wichita should reach 12-14% moisture for combine harvesting.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Legume cover crops (alfalfa, hairy vetch) in crop rotation Oats in mixed grain stands Rye in rotation systems Clover in pasture/forage systems

Avoid planting near:

Continuous wheat monoculture in the same field year after year Fields with high disease pressure from previous wheat crops Areas with severe wild oat or other grass weed infestations

Common Pests

Plant at optimal times to avoid fly emergence; use resistant varieties; destroy crop residue; rotate crops; monitor seedlings for damage.
Scout for larvae; cultural controls including removal of alternative hosts; insecticidal sprays if economic threshold is exceeded.
Destroy stubble; rotate crops; use resistant varieties; burn fields if possible (where permitted).
Control weeds that harbor nymphs; sweep nets to monitor populations; insecticidal sprays if necessary; maintain field borders.
Maintain adequate soil moisture; rotate crops; use resistant varieties; apply insecticides if populations exceed threshold.

Uses

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Bread and Flour Production

Culinary

Wichita wheat is a hard red winter wheat with good protein content (12-14%), making it suitable for breadmaking and whole wheat flour. The flour produces strong gluten networks ideal for yeast-based baked goods. [source]

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Grain and Cereal Products

Culinary

Whole wheat berries can be cooked as a grain, cracked for bulgur, or rolled into flakes. Wichita grain is also used in breakfast cereals, granola, and whole grain blends. [source]

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Animal Feed

Household

Wichita wheat is widely used as livestock feed for cattle, poultry, and other animals. Both the grain and straw provide nutritional value for pasture and forage systems. [source]

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Soil Conservation & Crop Rotation

Agricultural

Winter wheat serves as an erosion-control crop, protecting soil from wind and water loss during winter and spring. It is a key crop in rotation systems to break pest and disease cycles. [source]

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Wildlife Habitat

Wildlife

Wheat fields provide habitat and food for grassland birds, game birds, and beneficial insects. Wichita fields can support ground-nesting birds and seed-eating wildlife. [source]

Harvest Tips

Harvest when kernels are hard (thumb-nail test: cannot indent easily) and moisture content is 12-14%. Combine wheat in June (for winter wheat sown in fall). For small plots, cut heads manually or use a scythe, thresh by hand or machine. Timing is critical—harvest too early and grain is not fully mature; too late and field losses increase from shattering. In the Great Plains, harvest typically occurs June-early July.

Fun Facts

🌱 Wichita wheat was developed by Kansas State University and released in 1970. It was specifically bred for the semi-arid climate of the Great Plains to improve yields and disease resistance in that region.
🌱 Winter wheat is planted in the fall and overwinters in a dormant state, using fall and spring moisture more efficiently than spring wheat. This makes it particularly valuable in dry regions like Kansas and Oklahoma.
🌱 A single wheat plant can produce 30-50 seeds per head, and a mature plant may have 20-30 tillers (shoots), meaning one seed can generate hundreds of seeds by harvest—a remarkable multiplication factor.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Crown Cultivar Full Sun Germination Pollination Vernalization

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