2026 Planting Guide

Fall crop

When to Plant Wheat in India

Plant November 1December 15Harvest March 15April 30120-150 days growing period

Complete guide to growing wheat in India with optimal planting dates, recommended varieties, soil requirements, pest management, and harvest timing. Data sourced from national agricultural research organizations and FAO.

Monthly Planting Calendar

Visual overview of the wheat growing season in India.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Grow
Grow
Harvest
Harvest
Plant
Plant
Plant: November 1 - December 15GrowHarvest: March 15 - April 30

Quick Facts

Min. Soil Temp

5°C (41°F) minimum

32F50F65F80F

Growing Period

120-150 days

From planting to harvest

Last Spring Frost

N/A

Tropical climate

First Fall Frost

N/A

No frost risk

Monthly Task Timeline

Month-by-month guide for managing wheat in India.

January - February

Grow & Monitor

Irrigate as needed, scout for pests, apply side-dress fertilizer, and manage weeds.

March - April

Harvest

Check maturity indicators, schedule equipment, harvest at optimal moisture content.

May - October

Off-season

Cover crop planting, soil testing, equipment maintenance, and planning for next season.

November - December

Plant

Prepare soil, apply starter fertilizer, and sow seeds at recommended depth and spacing.

Best Wheat Varieties for India

These varieties have proven performance in India's climate and soil conditions. Always source certified seed from reputable dealers.

#VarietyBest For
1HD 3226India climate
2WH 1105India climate
3PBW 725India climate
4DBW 187India climate
5HD 2967India climate

Growing Tips for India

Region-specific advice from agricultural extension services and experienced India farmers.

1

Rabi crop — India is world's #2 wheat producer

2

Indo-Gangetic plains (Punjab, Haryana, UP) are breadbasket

3

Terminal heat stress is major concern — plant by Nov 25

4

Restrict late sowing to December 15 with short-duration varieties

Pest & Disease Watch

Monitor for these threats throughout the growing season. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is recommended.

Hessian fly

Scout regularly and use integrated pest management

Aphids

Scout regularly and use integrated pest management

Armyworm

Scout regularly and use integrated pest management

Wheat midge

Scout regularly and use integrated pest management

Cereal leaf beetle

Scout regularly and use integrated pest management

Companion Planting

These plants grow well alongside wheat, improving pest control, pollination, and nutrient availability.

Clover
Lentils
Peas
Oats

Frost Dates

No Frost Risk

India has a tropical or subtropical climate. Frost is generally not a concern, but altitude-dependent cold spells can occur in some areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to plant wheat in India?

The optimal planting window for wheat in India is November 1 to December 15. Soil temperature should reach at least 5°C (41°F) minimum before planting. The total growing period is 120-150 days.

What varieties of wheat grow best in India?

The best varieties for India include HD 3226, WH 1105, PBW 725, DBW 187, HD 2967. These varieties are adapted to local climate and soil conditions and have proven performance records.

When can I harvest wheat in India?

The harvest window for wheat in India is typically March 15 to April 30. The crop takes 120-150 days from planting to reach maturity.

Get planting reminders for Wheat in India

Sign up for free alerts when it's time to plant, fertilize, and harvest.

Sign Up Free

Data Sources

Data sourced from ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), state agricultural universities, and FAO India. Last updated: March 2026.

Planting dates are averages and may vary by county, elevation, and local microclimate. Always consult your local extension office for the most precise recommendations.