Canary seed, or annual canary grass, is a major component of feed mixtures for caged and wild birds. Canary seed is an annual grass that grows to maturity in 105 to 110 days, or approximately the same number of days as hard red spring wheat. Plants grow to a metre in height at maturity.. Seedlings appear spindly upon emergence but begin to tiller at the four-leaf stage, and a dense cover exists at the boot stage.The seed is similar to flax seed in size but is slightly more plump. The seed coat is brown and is covered by a thin, papery, glossy yellow hull. The glossy yellow hull is very attractive to birds, so it is desirable to maintain the hulls while harvesting.
