Annoying title, decent article.

Working with the lab of Teofilo Vamerali, then a professor at the University of Parma, Perobelli determined that the grain was Triticum turgidum—literally “swollen wheat” in Latin. Known in English as “poulard wheat,” it had originally evolved in what today are Turkey, Egypt and other nearby Mediterranean countries. And searching agricultural references, Perobelli found that it had been grown in Italy, too, until farmers shifted toward higher-yield commercial varieties. That solved the mystery of the seed bag stashed away in the attic: It had survived because Grossi’s grandfather saved some of the heritage grains.

Heavy winds, rains and hail can make the tall stems flip over before the grain ripens, ruining harvests. But Grossi circumvented the problem by planting miracolo with shorter wheat varieties that provide structural support.

Reminiscent of Indigenous Americans Three Sisters planting approach. Corn stalks provide support for bean stalks that fix nitrogen and both are shaded by squash that protects moisture. Diversity in agriculture helps in multiple ways.

Not as impressive, but I managed to grow some Nasturtium seeds I gave my mom for Mother's Day in 1994ish. Grew them in 2024 when she pulled out the card.

3 seeds were taken by mold or something, 1 was cracked, and out of the remaining 2 seedlings sprouted and another 7 or 8 failed.

Was a fun experiment.

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How long before Bayer owns the patent for anything grown from it.

Now I want 1900s bread too!

Fuck... don't let the genetic pirates fuck it up - get the strain started and leave it alone.