Buckwheat Fagopyrum esculentum
Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is an annual vegetable in the Polygonaceae family, native to South-west China (Yunnan). It grows 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) tall and 20–30 cm (8–12 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 1 °C (34 °F). Space plants about 10 cm (4 in) apart.
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Buckwheat at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) |
| Spacing | 10 cm (4 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 1 °C (34 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | about 4–6 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 80 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: seeds (grain, soba noodles), young leaves |
| Native to | South-west China (Yunnan) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada |
Is Buckwheat toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: green plant, hulls
Fagopyrin in the green plant can make skin sun-sensitive (photosensitisation) in grazing animals and, rarely, in people who eat large amounts of greens.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Buckwheat
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Buckwheat
- How far apart should I plant Buckwheat?
- About 10 cm (4 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–30 cm (8–12 in).
- Does Buckwheat need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Buckwheat need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Buckwheat?
- It tolerates about 1 °C (34 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Buckwheat flower?
- About 4–6 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Buckwheat poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Fagopyrin in the green plant can make skin sun-sensitive (photosensitisation) in grazing animals and, rarely, in people who eat large amounts of greens.
- What grows well with Buckwheat?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Buckwheat. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Not a grass: a fast summer cover crop that smothers weeds and feeds bees; the grain is gluten-free.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Rhubarb Rheum x hybridum
- Sorrel Rumex acetosa
- Vietnamese coriander Persicaria odorata
- California buckwheat Eriogonum fasciculatum
- French sorrel (buckler-leaf sorrel) Rumex scutatus
- Japanese indigo (ai, dyer’s knotweed) Persicaria tinctoria
- Ornamental rhubarb (Chinese rhubarb) Rheum palmatum
- Himalayan fleeceflower (knotweed groundcover) Bistorta affinis