How to Grow Buckwheat
Fagopyrum esculentum
Buckwheat is one of the fastest, easiest green manures and an outstanding bee plant. Broadcast seed onto a prepared bed after the last frost and it establishes in days. Its white flowers attract bees and hoverflies for weeks. Dig it in before seeds set to return nutrients, break up subsoil with its deep roots, and suppress weeds. Can also be grown to grain for flour or porridge; harvest when seeds darken and before they shatter.
When to Start
Sow indoors 6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost risk has passed and soil reaches 10°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- No feeding needed. Buckwheat thrives in poor soils and fixing nutrients is part of its function as a green manure. Adding nitrogen will promote excessive leaf growth over flowers.
- Buckwheat is one of the best bee plants available — its small white flowers produce abundant nectar over several weeks. As a green manure it suppresses weeds, improves soil structure, and makes phosphorus more available. Fast-growing and undemanding; ideal for filling gaps between crops.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 10°C+
- Germination temperature
- 10–25°C
Pet Safety
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- Direct sow
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 15 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
| Sow depth | 2 cm |
| Mature height | 90 cm |
| Mature spread | 30 cm |
Broadcast sow or drill in rows 30 cm apart. For green manure, broadcast at 15–20 g per sq m. For grain, thin to 15 cm apart.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 10°C |
| Germination temperature | 10–25°C |
| Base growth temperature | 5°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Buckwheat?
- Plant Buckwheat 15cm apart with 30cm between rows.
- Is Buckwheat frost hardy?
- Buckwheat is classified as Half Hardy.
