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Buckwheat

Fagopyrum esculentum · Polygonaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant buckwheat: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Family
Polygonaceae
Type
Annual herbaceous plant
Mature size
40 to 80 cm in height
Flowering
July to September, white or pink flowers
Foliage
Deciduous, triangular leaves
Hardiness
Annual plant, sensitive to frost
Origin
Central Asia (Manchuria, Tibet)
Soil
Undemanding, tolerates poor and acidic soils

Care

Watering

Buckwheat appreciates moderate soil moisture. Water regularly during prolonged dry spells, especially during flowering and seed formation. Once established, it tolerates dry periods well. Avoid excess water which would promote disease.

Exposure

Plant buckwheat in full sun for better productivity and abundant flowering. It also accepts partial shade areas, but flowering will be less generous. Good light promotes the concentration of flavor in the seeds.

Soil and preparation

Buckwheat adapts to almost all soil types, including poor and acidic soils. It doesn't require elaborate preparation. Well-drained soil is preferable to prevent rot. This plant is ideal for improving tired soils.

Fertilizer

Undemanding, buckwheat doesn't require significant fertilizer input. Light compost added before sowing is generally sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which would make the plant too vegetative at the expense of flowering.

Pruning and harvesting

No pruning is necessary on this annual plant. Harvest the seeds when the stems brown and dry out, generally 70 to 90 days after sowing. Cut the entire plant to facilitate threshing.

Diseases and pests

Buckwheat is generally robust. Monitor excessive humidity conditions which can promote fungi. Aphids may occasionally attack it. Good air circulation and controlled watering reduce the risk of problems.

Did you know?

Despite its name, buckwheat is not a cereal but a pseudocereal from the Polygonaceae family, related to sorrel and rhubarb! Present in Asia for millennia and in Brittany since the Middle Ages, it long formed the food basis of poor populations before becoming the star of Breton crepes. Its triangular seeds are so distinctive that they are immediately recognizable.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.