Buckwheat

Fagopyrum esculentum

perennial1.5×0.3 mzone 6–12full sun

Profile

Family: Polygonaceae
Habit: perennial
Height: 1.5 m
Spread: 0.3 m
Growth: very fast
Lifespan: 1 year
First yield: after 1 year
Hardiness: zone 6–12
Shade tolerance: full sun
Soil: Sand, Silt, Loam, Clay
Soil moisture: very dry – moist
pH: 5.3 – 8.6
Synonyms: Beechwheat, French Wheat

scented

Flowering & harvest

	J	F	M	A	M	J	J	A	S	O	N	D
Flowering
Fruit harvest
Leaf harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible1 of 10

Medicinal1 of 10

Other uses1 of 10

Growing

Buckwheat prefers full sun or partial shade and moist to moderately moist soils, including loam and clay-loam. It grows quickly and requires little nitrogen fertilizer. Sowing takes place from spring to late summer, with germination occurring at soil temperatures between 7 and 40 °C. The plant is frost-sensitive and should be sown after the last frost. Harvesting is done when the seeds are ripe and the leaves have yellowed.

⚠️ Hazards

Toxicity: slightly toxic

This is no substitute for expert identification. When in doubt, do not eat it.

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