Avena sativa ( Oats ) is an important annual grain crop that is native to the eastern regions of the Mediterranean. A staple in households worldwide, the humble oat has lesser-known applications such as in cosmetics, medicine, beverages, livestock feed and as a companion plant.
Its easily grown in a range of soils and climates but does best in colder zones where other cereals and grains cannot tolerate. Often grown on large acreage, the practical uses of even small quantities of the grain have made oats a popular addition to the backyard veggie patch.
Oats are more versatile and contain more protein than any other grain while every part of the grassy plant is useful in one way or another.
Growth
Avena sativa is an edible plant that grows to 90 cm (3 ft) that is sown after winter and harvested in the autumn. It’s grown in cold and temperate climates where higher yielding wheat is less tolerant.
Seed is sown directly onto the ground or in final location (pots/containers). Once germinated, oats grow fastest in low temperatures with long sunny days. Countries such as Russia, Canada, Scotland, and the coldest regions of Australia are among the world’s biggest producers.
Oats can be sown in the spring or early summer in colder areas or as soon as the soil can be easily broken up. An early start leads to better yields as oats go dormant in summer heat. In warmer areas, oats are sown in late summer or early fall. Avena sativa is tolerant and largely unaffected by late frosts or snow.
Farmers usually harvest when the greenest kernels are just turning cream in colour. Oats can also be grown as a ground cover or used as a green manure.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Poaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Sub Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5 to 26°C / 40 to 80°F
SOIL TYPE:
Most soil types, prefers loamy.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 0.9m (3 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 10 cm (4 inches)
pH:
4.5-8.6
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Wind.
MATURITY:
6-9 months.
GERMINATION RATES:
60-70%
GERMINATION TIME:
2-6 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 25 seeds
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 7-10 years.
FACTS ABOUT AVENA SATIVA (Oats)
Oats are used to feed horses when a boost in energy is required. Especially around mating season.
The protein content of the hull-less oat kernels can reach up to 24%, the highest among cereals.
A cold drink called Avena is made of with oats and is a popular refreshment throughout Latin America.
The daily consumption of oat bran can lower cholesterol and reduce the chances of heart disease. Extracts of Avena sativa are also used to help balance the menstrual cycle and to treat urinary tract infections.
