Grains - Seeds

Hordeum vulgare

A fast-growing cereal traditionally used for grain, fodder, and soil improvement. Barley is also widely grown as barley grass for microgreens and juicing, harvested young for its fresh, grassy flavour and nutritional value. As a field crop or green manure, it helps suppress weeds, protect soil structure, and add organic matter. Barley performs best in free draining soils with moderate fertility and prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soils, performing poorly in strongly acidic conditions.

Seed information
Seed count: approximately 22 seeds per gram
Sowing rate: approximately 45 kg per hectare

2000 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Coastal and temperate regions: May to June
Microgreens: year round under protection

Planting / Sowing
For field or green manure use, sow directly into well prepared, well drained soil and cover seed to a depth of 3 to 5 cm. For barley grass or microgreens, sow thickly in trays or beds, cover lightly, and keep moist. Harvest young shoots once they reach 10 to 15 cm tall. Avoid acidic soils and sow during cooler conditions for best establishment.

Not Available for TAS

Fagopyrum esculentum

Buckwheat is an ancient grain-like seed from the Polygonaceae family, cultivated for over 8,000 years throughout Europe and Asia. Fast growing and highly versatile, it can be grown for its nutritious edible seeds or as an outstanding green manure and cover crop. Its long taproot helps draw nutrients from deep within the soil profile, returning them to the surface as the plants break down. Buckwheat produces abundant biomass, suppresses weeds, and is particularly valuable between vegetable crops. The masses of delicate white flowers are highly attractive to bees and other beneficial insects, making it an excellent addition to productive gardens.

Approximately 2,000 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: March to September
Subtropics: September to April
Mild climates: Spring to early autumn
Cold climates: After the last frost until late summer

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly into well drained soil in full sun. Broadcast evenly or sow in rows 2–3 cm deep and lightly cover with soil. Keep moist during germination. For green manure, slash or incorporate plants before seed matures. For grain production, allow seeds to fully ripen before harvesting.

Not Available for TAS

Not Available for WA

Fagopyrum esculentum

Buckwheat is an ancient grain-like seed from the Polygonaceae family, cultivated for over 8,000 years throughout Europe and Asia. Fast growing and highly versatile, it can be grown for its nutritious edible seeds or as an outstanding green manure and cover crop. Its long taproot helps draw nutrients from deep within the soil profile, returning them to the surface as the plants break down. Buckwheat produces abundant biomass, suppresses weeds, and is particularly valuable between vegetable crops. The masses of delicate white flowers are highly attractive to bees and other beneficial insects, making it an excellent addition to productive gardens.

Approximately 2,000 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: March to September
Subtropics: September to April
Mild climates: Spring to early autumn
Cold climates: After the last frost until late summer

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly into well drained soil in full sun. Broadcast evenly or sow in rows 2–3 cm deep and lightly cover with soil. Keep moist during germination. For green manure, slash or incorporate plants before seed matures. For grain production, allow seeds to fully ripen before harvesting.

Not Available for TAS

Not Available for WA

Dactylis glomerata

Yarck Cocksfoot is a hardy, persistent perennial pasture grass valued for its drought tolerance, adaptability and ability to provide reliable forage under challenging conditions. Deep rooted and resilient, it performs particularly well in areas where summer moisture can be limited and maintains productivity when less drought-tolerant pasture species begin to struggle.

Well suited to a wide range of soil types, Yarck establishes a strong perennial pasture with good recovery following grazing. Once established, its extensive root system helps plants access moisture deeper in the soil profile, contributing to excellent persistence through dry periods.

The leafy growth provides useful, high-quality forage for grazing livestock and responds well to rotational grazing. Cocksfoot can also be grown as cat grass, with young foliage grown in pots or trays providing fresh grass for indoor cats to nibble. Yarck can be grown as part of a mixed pasture with suitable legumes and other perennial grasses or established where a tough, dependable grass is required.

Approximately 440 seeds per gram
Approximately 400 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Not generally suited to hot tropical conditions
Subtropics: Autumn to early winter
Mild climates: Autumn and spring
Cold climates: Autumn and spring

Planting / Sowing

Sow into a well-prepared, weed-free seedbed, broadcasting evenly or drilling into shallow rows. Seed should be sown approximately 5–10 mm deep, as overly deep planting can reduce establishment.

For cat grass, sow more densely into a pot or tray of quality potting mix, keep moist and place in a bright position. Once the grass is well established and tall enough to nibble, the pot can be offered to cats indoors or outside.

Grow in full sun in well-drained soil. Maintain adequate moisture during establishment and avoid heavy grazing until plants have developed a strong root system. Once established, rotational grazing and adequate recovery between grazings will help maintain a vigorous, persistent pasture.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.

Not available for WA

Lupinus angustifolius

Australian Sweet Lupin is a hardy annual legume developed from the narrow-leaf lupin and widely grown throughout Australian agricultural regions. Recognised by its slender leaves and attractive blue-purple flowers, it is valued as a nutritious grain crop, livestock feed and highly useful soil-building plant.

Australian sweet lupins have been selectively bred to contain very low levels of the naturally occurring bitter alkaloids found in traditional lupins. The protein-rich seed is extensively used in livestock feeds and is also processed commercially for human food, including lupin flour and other high-protein foods.

An excellent crop for sustainable and regenerative growing systems, lupins form a relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria on their roots, helping introduce biologically fixed nitrogen into the farming system. They are commonly incorporated into cereal rotations and can also contribute valuable organic matter, improve soil structure and increase diversity within cropping systems.

Drought tolerant once established, Australian Sweet Lupin is particularly well adapted to sandy, well-drained and mildly acidic soils. It performs best through the cooler growing season and is an excellent choice for green manure, cover cropping, soil improvement or growing as a grain legume.

Approximately 40 seeds per packet

Approximately 6 seeds per gram

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Generally not suited to hot tropical conditions
Subtropics: Autumn to early winter
Mild climates: Autumn to early winter
Cold climates: Autumn or early spring depending on local frost conditions

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed directly into prepared soil approximately 20–30 mm deep. Space plants approximately 10–20 cm apart, or sow more densely when growing as a green manure or cover crop.

Grow in full sun in well-drained soil. Lupins perform particularly well in sandy and mildly acidic soils and generally dislike waterlogged or strongly alkaline conditions. For maximum nitrogen fixation, use an appropriate lupin inoculant where compatible rhizobia are not already present in the soil.

Not available for TAS or WA due to quarantine restrictions.

Echinochloa esculenta

Japanese Millet is a fast-growing annual grass valued for its ability to produce large amounts of lush green growth and bulky organic matter in a relatively short period. Vigorous and adaptable, it is an excellent choice for green manure, cover cropping, grazing and adding biomass to composting systems.

Particularly well suited to warm and moist conditions, Japanese Millet establishes rapidly and can help protect bare soil, suppress weeds and contribute valuable organic matter when cut and incorporated back into the ground. It can also be grazed and has good regrowth following cutting or grazing when conditions are favourable.

Japanese Millet thrives during the warmer months and is especially useful in tropical and subtropical regions, where it can be sown with the onset of the wet season. Its rapid growth makes it a practical option for filling gaps between crops, establishing temporary forage or producing biomass before the next planting.

Approximately 300 seeds per gram
Approximately 100 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Wet season
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Late spring to summer
Cold climates: Late spring to summer after frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly into prepared soil once conditions are warm, at approximately 6 kg per hectare for larger plantings. For garden-scale growing, broadcast seed evenly over prepared soil, lightly rake in and keep moist until established.

Grow in full sun in fertile, moisture-retentive soil. For green manure, cut or incorporate plants before mature seed is produced. If grazing or cutting for biomass, allow sufficient growth to remain so plants can recover and produce another flush.

Not Available for TAS

Not Available for WA

Panicum miliaceum

White French Millet is a vigorous, fast-growing grain valued for its nutritious seeds and low water requirements. Traditionally cooked as a wholesome porridge or added to soups, salads and grain dishes, it is also an excellent green manure and soil-conditioning crop. Its rapid growth helps improve soil structure, suppress weeds and add organic matter, making it a versatile addition to productive gardens and small farms.

Approximately 100 seeds per packet

Approximately 120 seeds per gram

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: September to March
Subtropics: September to February
Mild climates: Spring to summer
Cold climates: Late spring to summer

Planting / Sowing

Broadcast seed or sow in rows 1–2 cm deep into well-drained soil in a sunny position once the soil has warmed. Keep evenly moist during establishment. Plants are drought tolerant once established and grow rapidly through the warmer months. For grain, allow seed heads to fully mature before harvesting. For green manure, slash or incorporate plants before they set seed.

Not Available for TAS

Not Available for WA

Avena strigosa

Saia Oats, also known as Black Oats, is a vigorous, fast-growing annual oat traditionally grown for forage, green manure and soil improvement. Producing abundant leafy growth and substantial biomass, it is an excellent choice for gardeners and growers looking to protect and improve soil between crops.

Its dense growth provides excellent ground cover and helps suppress weeds while producing plenty of organic matter to cut, mulch or incorporate back into the soil. The extensive fibrous root system also helps improve soil structure and contributes valuable organic material below ground. Saia can be grazed when young and actively growing or used as a dedicated cover crop before being cut down prior to seed maturity.

Well suited to humid coastal areas, Saia performs reliably across a range of soil types and is valued primarily for its vigour and biomass production rather than grain. It grows best through the cooler months and makes an excellent addition to crop rotations, garden beds, orchards and larger paddock plantings.

Approximately 20 seeds per gram

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to winter
Mild climates: Autumn to early spring
Cold climates: Spring or autumn depending on local conditions

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly into prepared soil, broadcasting evenly for green manure and cover cropping or drilling into rows for larger plantings. Lightly rake or cover seed to approximately 20–30 mm deep and keep moist during establishment.

Grow in full sun in well-drained soil. For green manure, cut plants before mature seed forms and leave the foliage on the surface as mulch or incorporate it into the soil. Allow several weeks for incorporated material to break down before planting the following crop.

Not Available for TAS

Not Available for WA

Secale cereale

Rye is a hardy cool-season cereal grain widely grown for grain production, stock fodder and as an outstanding cover crop. A member of the wheat tribe, it is valued for its exceptional resilience, tolerating drought, cool temperatures and even periods of waterlogged soil better than many other cereals. Its vigorous root system helps improve soil structure, suppress weeds and reduce erosion, making rye an excellent choice for green manure and sustainable farming systems.

The grain has been cultivated for centuries and is used to produce flour, traditional rye breads, crispbreads, beer, whisky and vodka. Young plants can also be grazed or cut for hay and silage.

Approximately 50 seeds per gram
Approximately 2,000 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to August
Mild climates: Autumn to winter
Cold climates: Autumn

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed directly into well-prepared soil, covering with 20–30 mm of soil. Broadcast for use as a cover crop or sow in rows 20–30 cm apart for grain production. Keep soil moist until established. Rye grows rapidly through the cooler months and can be slashed or incorporated into the soil before flowering when grown as a green manure, or allowed to mature for grain harvest.

Due to quarantine restrictions, WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

NOT available for TAS

Sorghum bicolor

Silk Sorghum is a vigorous perennial forage grass suited to warm climates, producing abundant leafy growth and substantial biomass. Fast growing and highly productive, it is useful for grazing, hay production, cover cropping and generating organic matter for soil improvement.

Plants establish strongly in warm conditions and can reach up to 4 metres tall if left uncut. The dense growth provides excellent ground cover, helping protect bare soil and suppress weeds, while the large volume of foliage makes it particularly useful for cutting as mulch or adding biomass to composting and green manure systems.

Silk Sorghum performs best in tropical and subtropical climates, where established plants can persist for multiple seasons. Growth is sensitive to cold, with the tops killed by frost, although established plants may regrow from the base when warm conditions return.

Approximately 25 seeds per gram
Approximately 500 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Spring to autumn
Subtropics: Spring and summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer
Cold climates: Spring to early summer after frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly into warm, prepared soil approximately 10–20 mm deep. For cover cropping or biomass production, sow more densely to encourage rapid canopy development and weed suppression.

Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment, although mature plants develop good tolerance to dry conditions. For cover cropping or green manure, cut before mature seed is produced and use the foliage as surface mulch or incorporate it into the soil.

When grown for forage, manage grazing and cutting carefully, particularly following drought, frost or other plant stress, as sorghums can accumulate compounds that may be hazardous to livestock under certain conditions.

Due to quarantine restrictions, Not Available for TAS, Not Available for WA

Sorghum bicolor

Sugar Drip Sorghum is a vigorous, multi-purpose heritage sorghum grown for its sweet stems, abundant grain, livestock forage and impressive biomass production. Growing up to 3 metres tall, it is an excellent choice for productive gardens, small farms, poultry runs and regenerative growing systems.

The tall, juicy stems contain sweet sap traditionally pressed and boiled down to make sorghum syrup, while the mature seed heads produce grain that can be harvested as a supplementary feed for chickens, cattle and pigs. Plants can also be grown for forage and grazing, providing substantial warm-season growth.

Fast growing and densely foliaged, Sugar Drip is also an excellent summer cover crop. Its vigorous growth helps shade out weeds, protect bare soil and produce large amounts of organic matter that can be cut for mulch, composted or incorporated as green manure.

Plant in spring once the soil has warmed for a summer to autumn harvest. Plants generally mature in approximately 120–140 days.

Approximately 25 seeds per gram

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Spring to summer
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer
Cold climates: Late spring to early summer after frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly into warm, prepared soil approximately 10–20 mm deep. Space plants 15–30 cm apart for grain or syrup production, or sow more densely when growing as a cover crop or for biomass.

Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment and during prolonged dry periods. Harvest seed heads once grain is mature and dry, or cut mature stems for pressing when they are full of sweet juice.

When grown for forage, manage grazing and cutting carefully, particularly following drought, frost or other plant stress, as sorghums can accumulate compounds that may be hazardous to livestock under certain conditions.

Not available for WA or TAS due to quarantine restrictions.

Triticum persicum

Khorasan Wheat is an ancient grain believed to have originated in the Fertile Crescent. It produces exceptionally large golden kernels, typically two to three times the size of modern wheat, with a rich, nutty flavour and excellent nutritional qualities. Highly valued for milling into flour, baking, cooking as a whole grain and sprouting, Khorasan wheat is a hardy, productive crop suited to a wide range of growing conditions.

Approximately 20–30 seeds per gram
Approximately 1,000 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: April to August
Mild climates: April to September
Cold climates: April to September

Planting / Sowing

Direct sow seed 30–50 mm deep into well-prepared, free-draining soil in a sunny position. Sow seeds 5–10 cm apart in rows spaced 20–30 cm apart or broadcast evenly for larger plantings. Keep soil moist during establishment, then water only as required. Harvest once the seed heads have fully matured and turned golden brown, allowing them to dry before threshing and storing.

Not available for TAS or WA.

Triticum aestivum

Common Wheat is one of the world's most widely cultivated cereal grains and has been grown for thousands of years for flour, bread, pasta and a wide range of baked goods. It produces golden seed heads on upright plants and is also valued as a nutritious cover crop, for sprouting, and as a source of fresh wheatgrass. Easy to grow and well suited to Australian conditions, wheat is an excellent choice for home grain production and small-scale growers.

Approximately 25 seeds per gram
Approximately 1,250 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: April to August
Mild climates: April to September
Cold climates: April to September

Planting / Sowing

Direct sow seed 30–50 mm deep into well-prepared, free-draining soil in a sunny position. Sow seeds 5–10 cm apart in rows spaced 20–30 cm apart, or broadcast evenly over larger areas. Keep the soil moist during establishment, then water only as required. Harvest when the seed heads have turned golden and fully matured, allowing them to dry thoroughly before threshing and storing.

Not available for TAS or WA.