The Effect of Temperature on Cat Grass

Sprouting Temperatures

• Cat grass growers recommend sprouting grass seeds before planting them. Optimum temperatures for sprouting wheatgrass are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The optimum temperature for sprouting barley seeds is 68 F, and the optimum temperature range for sprouting oat seeds is 68 to 75 F. The optimum temperature for sprouting rye seeds is 80 F. Despite slight differences in their optimum sprouting temperatures, in practice all these grains can be sprouted together successfully to grow cat grass if you wish to grow a mixture rather than only wheatgrass. Use the same sprouting techniques you would if you were sprouting grain for human use, with grains sprouted at room temperature, usually about 75 F.

Effect of Cold

• Most cereal grains grow under colder conditions, but the growth slows as the coldness increases. Wheat seeds will germinate at 39 F or higher temperatures, and between 54 and 77 F is optimal for rapid germination and growth, according to a University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Grain Crops Extension website article. Winter wheat grown outdoors in spring or fall takes about 200 days of slow growth to reach 7 inches tall. In comparison to wheat grown in trays indoors, the blades of the grass grown outdoors are thicker and more nutritionally dense, with richer color, more extensive roots and a better taste and scent.

Effect of Heat

• Higher growing temperatures can cause leaf blades to scorch and can create favorable conditions for the growth of mold, a problem with indoor growing. Because the seeds are planted closely in trays, air circulation at the base of the plants is decreased, and mold is liable to grow. The mold grows on the roots and stems and isn't parasitic on the grass, but the mold can cause adverse reactions in people and animals allergic to molds.

Implications

• Growing cat grass outdoors at cool temperatures produces a more nutritious product and provides better air circulation for the grass to prevent the growth of mold, but it takes longer. When weather conditions permit, you could experiment with how long it takes to produce an outdoor crop of cat grass under your growing conditions and arrange planting times so a fresh supply is ready when needed. Cat grass doesn't need to be grown to the 7-inch height used for human consumption. The Humane Society of the United States' website recommends offering cat grass that is 3 to 4 inches tall to a cat. After your cat chews the grass down two or three times, remove the grass' dish, and replace it with a fresh one because the grass gets tougher and harder to chew with each regrowth. The Humane Society suggests planting several pots of cat grass one or two weeks apart.