Buckwheat

Buckwheat is a fast-growing pseudocereal used for groats and flour. It prefers well-drained soil, moderate fertility and a frost-free period with relatively mild flowering weather.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Keep moist through establishment and grain filling; avoid waterlogging

Spacing

6 in

First harvest

70–90 days

Tips

• Sow about 1 inch deep after frost and avoid excessive nitrogen.
• Keep moisture available at flowering; hot dry weather can reduce seed set.
• Leave flowers accessible to pollinators and harvest when most seeds darken, before extensive shattering.
• Dry cut plants, thresh carefully and dehull mature seed for groats.
• Buckwheat foliage, including dried hay, can cause livestock photosensitization from fagopyrin; do not treat it as unrestricted grazing or hay.