STRONGlk7 / CC BY-SA 3.0
Buckwheat
Eriogonum ×blissianum
Overview
Despite its name, buckwheat is not a grass or cereal grain but a fast-growing relative of rhubarb and sorrel. It flowers prolifically within weeks of sowing, making it one of the best short-term cover crops and bee plants available. Buckwheat's triangular seeds are naturally gluten-free and have been a dietary staple from Russia to Japan for centuries.
Buckwheat (Eriogonum ×blissianum) is a member of the genus Eriogonum, which comprises a diverse group of flowering plants native to North America. As with other species in this genus, Buckwheat typically exhibits a variety of characteristics that make them well-suited to various environments.
Most members of the Eriogonum genus are herbaceous perennial plants, and Buckwheat is no exception. They grow as subshrubs or shrubs, depending on the specific species. The size of these plants can vary significantly, with some reaching heights of up to 3 feet (0.9 meters), while others may be more compact, growing only a few inches tall.
The leaves of Buckwheat and other Eriogonum species are typically small and narrow, often arranged in an alternate pattern along the stem. The color of the foliage can range from light green to gray-green, providing a visual contrast against the landscape.
One of the most distinctive features of plants in the genus Eriogonum is their inflorescence, which resembles a cluster of buckwheat grains. These clusters are composed of small, white or pink flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. The exact timing and duration of blooming can vary depending on the specific species and environmental conditions.
Growing Conditions and Care
Buckwheat and its relatives are well-adapted to various soil types and pH levels, making them versatile additions to gardens and natural landscapes. They are generally drought-tolerant once established and can thrive in full sun to partial shade conditions.
As with any plant genus, it is essential to research the specific needs and characteristics of individual Eriogonum species to ensure successful cultivation and enjoyment.
Growing Conditions
Habitat & Range
- Habitat
- Meadows & Open Areas
- Cultivation Region
- Temperate regions
Botanical data via projectGAIA.
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | Jun — Jul | Direct sow after all frost; fastest cover crop — blooms in 30 days; frost-tender |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jul — Aug | Mow at 50% bloom; incorporate or leave as mulch; seed viable — mow before full seed set |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | May — Jul | Sow after frost; excellent smother crop for weed suppression |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | Jun — Aug | Terminate at bloom; decomposes rapidly; sow successive rounds |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Apr — Aug | Sow spring through summer; phosphorus accumulator; great bee plant |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | May — Sep | Mow at flowering; composts in place within 2 weeks |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Mar — Sep | Sow spring through early fall; fills gaps between main crops |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Apr — Oct | Quick turnaround; excellent between spring and fall crops |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Mar — Sep | Sow in warm months; dies at first frost — easy to terminate |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Apr — Oct | Fast summer cover; attracts beneficial insects |
Uses
Culinary
- Ground into flour for pancakes, soba noodles, and crepes
- Groats cooked as porridge or kasha
- Sprouted for salads and grain bowls
Medicinal
- High in rutin, which strengthens capillaries and blood vessels
- Rich in magnesium and manganese
- Gluten-free protein source with all essential amino acids
Other Uses
- Premier fast-blooming cover crop for pollinators
- Phosphorus scavenger that makes nutrients available to subsequent crops
- Smothers weeds in as little as 30 days
