Wheat Seeds,
Utrecht Blue

53 ReviewsSKU: #GS123Min. seed count: 500
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Description

A striking blue wheat, perfect for arranging or wheat weaving. Dusty blue hulls and black awns make this dramatic ornamental a focal point in the garden and in decorations. Plants average 3 to 4 feet tall and set an average of 4 tillers per plant. We foresee Utrecht Blue wheat being the next must-have foliage plant for floral arranging. Its origins are unknown; it is named for Utrecht, Holland, which is not a wheat-growing region but is a prominent seed trading location.

Growing Tips: Plant in very early spring. Work soil up fairly fine and well drained. Can apply mulch. Grow until seed heads form; harvest when dry, thresh, and store.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Triticum durum
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
Partial to full sun
Days to Germinate
4–8
Days to Maturity
110–150
Planting Depth
½–1 in.
Plant Spacing
1 in.
Ideal Temperature
38–46°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Utrecht Blue is a long-season wheat, needing 110 to 150 days, so get it into the ground in very early spring and give the heads the whole summer to color up. Direct sow ½ to 1 inch deep and 1 inch apart into finely worked, well-draining soil in partial to full sun, and mulch if you like. Sprouts show in 4 to 8 days, and the frost-hardy plants run on until the seed heads form. Because this one is grown for the dusty blue hulls and black awns rather than for grain, leave it standing until the heads are dry before you cut, then thresh and store.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Direct sow seeds ½- 1” deep in early spring.
  • Choose an area in full to partial sun with fine and well-draining soil.
  • Space plants 1-2" apart.
  • Sprouts in 4-8 days.

How to Grow

  • Grow until seedheads form.
  • Harvest when dry.
  • Thresh and store.

How to Save Seeds

  • Harvest seedheads when they are fully mature.
  • When fully mature stalks and heads will show little to no green and will be mostly dry.
  • You may harvest individual heads or harvest in sheaves depending on how large your stand of wheat is.
  • Let dry for about 2 weeks in a well-ventilated area.
  • Thresh the wheat and winnow seeds from the chaff.

FAQ

What makes Utrecht Blue so good for arranging?

Dusty blue hulls and black awns make this dramatic ornamental a focal point in the garden and in decorations, and it is perfect for arranging or wheat weaving. Plants average 3 to 4 feet tall and set an average of 4 tillers per plant.

Where does the name come from?

Its origins are unknown. It is named for Utrecht, Holland, which is not a wheat-growing region but is a prominent seed trading location.

How do I harvest and dry the stems for bouquets?

Let the seedheads reach full maturity — stalks and heads will show little to no green and will be mostly dry. Cut individual heads, or harvest in sheaves if you have a large stand, and let them dry for about 2 weeks in a well-ventilated area.

Customer reviews

5 / 5 3 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Striking blue-gray heads: Gray-blue seed heads stand out in the bed and in vases.

  • Easy to grow: Plant, water a few times, and nearly every seed takes off.

  • Bouquet accent: Stalks go into fresh and dried flower arrangements.

  • Fast grower: Grew faster than other wheat; sown in the cold, ready by spring.

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