In North America, wheat is often classified by how it grows. The difference between spring wheat and winter wheat is when the seeds are sown.

Spring wheat is sown in the spring and is harvested in the fall. Winter wheat is sown in the fall, lives through the winter, and is then harvested in the summer. Harder winter wheat usually contains a higher protein content than spring wheat and is suitable for making pasta and bread. Spring wheat is used for products that do not require high-protein content, such as tender pastries and cakes.