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Spelt Wheat

Triticum aestivum speltafam. Poaceae
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Triticum aestivum spelta (Spelt Wheat) — botanical photograph
Pl. BB5D — Triticum aestivum spelta
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Overview

Spelt Wheat (Triticum aestivum spelta) is an annual graminoid that can grow to about 1 meter in height and thrives in full sun with moist soil. Native to the Transcaucasus region, this plant is known for its edible seeds, which are often used as a nutritious alternative to common wheat due to their higher protein content and unique flavor. Spelt prefers light to heavy soils, including sandy, medium, and clay types, with an optimal pH range of 5.5 to 8. Its distinctive feature lies in its robust growth habit and adaptability to various soil conditions, making it a valuable crop for farmers seeking hardy and versatile wheat varieties. The seed of Spelt Wheat is typically prepared by cooking or baking, though it can also be ground into flour for use in recipes. While not traditionally used for medicinal purposes, its nutritional benefits make it a preferred choice in many culinary applications.

Quick answers

What is Spelt Wheat?

Spelt Wheat (Triticum aestivum spelta) is an annual graminoid that can grow to about 1 meter in height and thrives in full sun with moist soil.

Compare with:Chocolate Lily→Club Wheat→Clumping Bamboo→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Spelt Wheat thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is a hardy annual that grows to about 1 meter tall. This graminoid prefers a soil pH between 5.5 and 8. For successful cultivation, ensure the soil is well-draining yet consistently moist, as it needs regular watering. Propagate through seed in temperate regions where it can grow.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Graminoid
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–8
For first-time growers

How to grow Spelt Wheat for the first time

8steps

Start with spelt wheat as a simple annual crop for beginners.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds, a garden plot or large container, soil testing kit.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in early spring after the last frost, or in late summer for fall harvest.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 5.5 and 8; amend as needed.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds 2-3 cm deep, spacing them about 10 cm apart in rows 45 cm apart.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep soil consistently moist and mulch lightly to retain moisture.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly but avoid overwatering; thin plants if overcrowded.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Cut the mature stalks just above the ground when seeds are fully ripe and dry.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough light.

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Edible & utility

Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The seed of Spelt Wheat is edible and can be used in various ways. It is typically prepared by cooking or baking, though it can also be ground into flour for use in recipes.
Other uses:BiomassMulchtextilesStarch
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

1 native · 37 introduced
Distribution across3 continents· 1 native· 37 introduced
Europe19 regions
introduced (19)AustriaBelarusBelgiumCyprusFranceGermanyHungaryItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia4 regions
introduced (4)IndiaIranJapanPalestine
Africa6 regions
introduced (6)AlgeriaEthiopiaLibyaMoroccoTunisiaZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:Transcaucasus
introduced:Czechoslovakia, Kentucky, Vermont, Yugoslavia
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Triticum aestivum spelta (Spelt Wheat) — botanical photograph
Spelt Wheat (Triticum aestivum spelta)
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See also

8 related
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Explore further

XII

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