The growth and development of the wheat plant is a complex process. During the life cycle of the plant, many of the growth stages overlap, and while one part of the plant may be developing another part may be dying.
The first signs of growth are tiny root hairs that stretch down into the soil while a small shoot pushes upward through the soil. The head of the wheat plant, which contains the kernels, develops at the tip of the stem.
The stem grows rapidly, pushing the head up and out of the top leaf sheath. As the plant grows, it uses the sun to make food in its leaves. The roots get food from the soil. Wheat grows many leaves and sends up 3-12 stems called tillers.
After the head emerges, flowering occurs and the kernels begin to develop. After the kernels have developed fully and filled, the leaves and stem lose their green color and the kernels quickly dry. Kernels within the head grow and turn golden brown before harvest. The seed moisture will decrease down to 13 to 14 %. This is the ripening stage and the seed may be harvested at the end.
Growing of winter wheat
Extra note:
A kernel is a wheat seed. There are about 50 kernels in a head of wheat and 15,000 to 17,000 kernels in a pound.
