Stem Elongation and Heading of Wheat – The Beginning of Its Maturation!”
The Key Stages Toward Maturation: Stem Elongation and Heading
In the March article, we talked about the tillering stage of wheat — the phase in which secondary roots develop and lateral shoots, known as “secondary stems” (culmi secondari), begin to grow (read the article: “It All Begins with a Wheat Seed…”).
This month, we want to talk to you about the wheat’s life cycle during May — a stage marked by two key phases: stem elongation and heading.
These are crucial moments that mark the transition from the vegetative phase to the reproductive phase of the plant.
During stem elongation, which typically occurs between March and April, the wheat begins to rapidly extend its stalk.
Leaves distribute along the stem, and the plant channels all its energy into structural growth — laying the groundwork, quite literally, for the formation of the wheat head.
Next comes heading, the phase in which the wheat spikes fully emerge from the leaf sheaths.
It’s a delicate and visually striking moment, when the plant reveals its productive potential: this is when grain formation begins.
Weather conditions during this time are crucial to the success of the harvest.
In our fields, we grow ancient wheat varieties using evolutionary mixtures — traditional, non-industrially selected strains grown together to encourage biodiversity, climate resilience, and nutritional value.
Every year, the mixture naturally adapts to the soil and climate, improving spontaneously without the use of chemicals.
Observing the stem elongation and heading of our ancient wheats means witnessing a natural and sustainable process that is deeply connected to the history of Mediterranean agriculture.
