This figure shows the approximate time it takes (in growing degree days) for a wheat seed to germinate. It also shows the impact of shallow and deep planting on time to emergence. The ideal planting depth is at about 1 inch or 2.5 cm depth. At this depth the crown roots are at the ideal depth (deeper planting would have crown roots at same depth) and takes about 130 GDD for emergence. Growing degree days are calculated by high temperature plus low temperature divided by two.