Grain Growing Guides
11 grains with complete growing information
Ancient and modern grain crops you can grow at home, from quinoa to amaranth.
Amaranth
Ancient grain with nutritious seeds and edible leaves. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 20°C and 30°C, amaranth adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Requires full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) with moderate, even watering throughout the growing season. Plan for about 90-120 days from planting to maturity. An adaptable plant that performs well across a wide range of garden settings and growing conditions.
Chickpea
Ancient legume for hummus and curries. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 15°C and 28°C, chickpea adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Requires full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) with minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks. Plan for about 90-120 days from planting to maturity. An adaptable plant that performs well across a wide range of garden settings and growing conditions.
Lentil
Protein-rich pulse crop. Best suited for moderate climates, lentil grows optimally between 15°C and 25°C and can handle temperatures from 5°C to 30°C. Requires full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) with minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks. Plan for about 80-110 days from planting to maturity. Well suited to home cultivation, it thrives with basic care and rewards consistent attention.
Millet
Ancient drought-tolerant grain. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 22°C and 32°C, millet adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Requires full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) with minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks. Plan for about 60-90 days from planting to maturity. Well suited to home cultivation, it thrives with basic care and rewards consistent attention.
Quinoa
Andean pseudocereal -- complete protein grain. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -2°C, quinoa performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 12°C and 22°C. Requires full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) with minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks. Plan for about 90-120 days from planting to maturity. An adaptable plant that performs well across a wide range of garden settings and growing conditions.
Sesame
Ancient oilseed crop producing tiny, flavorful seeds. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 22°C and 32°C, sesame adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Requires full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) with minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks. Plan for about 90-120 days from planting to maturity. Well suited to home cultivation, it thrives with basic care and rewards consistent attention.
Sorghum
Heat and drought-tolerant grain. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 22°C and 32°C, sorghum adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Requires full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) with minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks. Plan for about 90-120 days from planting to maturity. A worthwhile addition to any garden, combining low maintenance with satisfying results.
Soybean
World's most important legume. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 20°C and 30°C, soybean adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Requires full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) with regular watering to keep soil consistently moist. Plan for about 80-120 days from planting to maturity. With straightforward growing requirements, it is accessible to gardeners of all experience levels.
Chia
Aztec superfood producing omega-3 rich seeds. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 18°C and 28°C, chia adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. Requires full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) with minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks. Plan for about 90-120 days from planting to maturity. A worthwhile addition to any garden, combining low maintenance with satisfying results.
Flax
Dual-purpose crop: seeds for omega-3 oil, stems for linen fiber. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -5°C, flax performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 12°C and 22°C. Requires full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) with moderate, even watering throughout the growing season. Plan for about 90-110 days from planting to maturity. With straightforward growing requirements, it is accessible to gardeners of all experience levels.
Buckwheat
Fast-growing pseudocereal and cover crop. Best suited for moderate climates, buckwheat grows optimally between 15°C and 25°C and can handle temperatures from 5°C to 30°C. Requires full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) with moderate, even watering throughout the growing season. Plan for about 30-45 days from planting to maturity. A worthwhile addition to any garden, combining low maintenance with satisfying results.