Buckwheat cover crop seeds produce hardy annual, upright plants. It grows so fast it can reach 1m (3') tall in only three weeks. Then it blooms with white flowers, attracting pollinating insects and beneficial hover flies. This cover crop grows densely enough that it can be used to smother out competing weed species. Continue reading below for tips on how to grow Buckwheat from seeds.
Latin
Fagopyrum esculentum
Family: Polygonaceae
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Timing
Sow from 2-4 weeks after the last frost date through the end of August. Frost will kill this half-hardy annual.
Starting
Sow seeds 2-4cm (1-1½") deep.
Growing
Within ten days of blooming (or at any time before), buckwheat can be cut and turned under to improve soil tilth and add organic matter. The plants can be worked into the soil easily with a garden fork. The succulent plant matter decomposes quickly. Wait two weeks to plant the following crop.