How to Grow Teff Grain

Cultivate and aerate the soil, and rake up grass clumps and rocks. Remove all weeds, which can compete with teff seedlings for soil nutrients and water.

Test the soil to determine the need for fertilizer. Apply 50 to 100 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer per acre each season, if needed. Mix in phosphorus and other nutrients with a rake before planting, and apply half the nitrogen before sowing the seeds and half after the first harvest.

Firm the soil with a roller to ensure seed placement near the surface. The seed bed is firm enough if your shoe leaves almost no impression when you step on the soil.

Sow teff seeds in late May or early June after the last anticipated frost date, and after the soil reaches a consistent temperature of 65 F. Disperse the teff seeds with the seed spreader at a rate of 6 pounds per acre. Spread the seeds over the firm soil and pack the seeds no deeper than 1/4 inch below the soil surface.

Water the teff seeds thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil moist for the first three weeks with light, frequent irrigation, until roots become established. Seeds should germinate within one week after planting. Although teff tolerates drought, it grows best with 4 to 10 inches of water for each cutting.

Harvest the teff when it reaches 2 or 3 feet tall and seed heads emerge, about 50 days after planting. Leave 3 to 4 inches of stem to promote new growth. Inspect the grass carefully for seed heads, which are not readily visible.