microgreen
EdibleWheatgrass
Triticum aestivum
Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs (source: Non-toxic; often sold as cat grass).
Some direct sun — an east or west window, or a few hours of direct light.
Keep evenly moist — water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Forgiving and beginner-friendly.
Wheatgrass is the classic grow-it-on-the-counter crop for juicing, going from soaked grain to a cuttable mat in about a week with no sunny window needed. It doubles as cat grass, and it is non-toxic to pets.
About Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) is the classic grow-it-on-the-counter crop, the bright green mat people cut for juicing. It goes from soaked grain to harvest in about a week and needs no sunny window, which makes it one of the lowest-commitment things you can grow in a rental: a shallow 2-litre tray on a worktop is enough. It doubles as cat grass, and it is non-toxic to pets.
Soak the wheat grains overnight, then spread them densely across a shallow tray of soil. Keep the mat lightly moist and out of hot direct sun. Cut the blades just above the soil when they reach about 15 to 20 cm, usually in 7 to 12 days, then compost the spent mat and resow for the next batch. It is a cut-once crop rather than a cut-and-come-again one.
What it’s like to grow
Wheatgrass is easy and fast, a good first thing to grow from seed. Its usual problems are mould on the mat when it is kept too wet or in stagnant air, and pale, weak blades grown in near-darkness. A little airflow and just enough water keep it clean. It is non-toxic to cats and dogs, and is in fact often grown for them to nibble.
What to expect
First harvest in about 7–12 days. It’s forgiving, so it’s a good one to learn on. No sunny window? It also does fine under a clip-on grow light.
See what you’ll need to get started ↓Tips
- Soak the wheat grains overnight, then spread them densely over a shallow tray.
- Keep the mat lightly moist and out of direct hot sun.
- Cut just above the soil at 15–20 cm, then compost the mat and resow.
Common problems
- Mould on the mat if kept too wet or in stagnant air.
- Yellow, weak blades in near-darkness.
Common questions
Is Wheatgrass toxic to cats and dogs?
Wheatgrass is non-toxic to cats and dogs, which makes it a safe pick if you have pets. Source: Non-toxic; often sold as cat grass.
How much light does Wheatgrass need?
Wheatgrass does best in medium, indirect light: near an east or west window, or a little back from a bright one. Direct midday sun can scorch it.
How often should I water Wheatgrass?
Water Wheatgrass when the top inch of soil feels dry, then let it drain. Aim for evenly moist, not soggy.
What temperature does Wheatgrass need?
Wheatgrass is happiest around 15–24 °C. It tolerates brief dips to about 5 °C, but cold drafts and sudden chills set it back.
How long does Wheatgrass take to grow?
Expect a first harvest about 7–12 days from sowing under good conditions. A fast counter crop for juicing, ready in a week or so; cut once, then compost the mat and resow.
Can I grow Wheatgrass without a sunny window?
Yes. Wheatgrass does well under an affordable clip-on grow light, so a bright window isn't essential.
How big does Wheatgrass get?
A dense mat of grass blades sown across a shallow tray and cut young.
How do I propagate Wheatgrass?
Soak grains overnight and sow densely across a shallow tray.
What pests affect Wheatgrass?
Watch for fungus gnats. Check new growth and the undersides of leaves often, and treat early with a rinse or insecticidal soap before they spread.
Is Wheatgrass easy to grow?
Yes. Wheatgrass is forgiving and one of the better plants to learn on.
Gear for Wheatgrass
Gear suggestions to get you started — general picks, not paid placements.
Pet-toxicity from the ASPCA. Care details are general guidance, not professional or veterinary advice; only eat plants you can positively identify as the edible plant and part described. Photo: Mokkie, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA). Care info last updated 2026-06-08.