Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Buckwheat — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Fagopyrum esculentum |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 3–7 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 12.8–26.7 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 30–45 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 5.1–10.2 |
| Mature height (cm) | 61–121.9 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 15.2–30.5 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–10 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Broadcast buckwheat seed onto worked soil once frost danger has passed and rake in lightly for good contact. It germinates within a week and races to flower in about a month, smothering weeds and drawing in bees. Mow or turn it under at first bloom to add green matter and free up phosphorus for the next crop. Succession-sow every few weeks through summer for continuous soil coverage, but never let a stand fully set seed unless you want volunteers.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
OpenPlantDB · buckwheat-cover-crop-sgs
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0