Fagopyrum esculentum. 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. Within ten days of blooming (or at any time before) it can be cut and tilled under to improve tilth and add organic matter. A succulent, brittle plant that can break down completely into the soil in a matter of days. When breaking ground for a new garden, grow two consecutive crops. Digging them in will provide ample organic matter to stimulate the soil biology. Frost will kill tender annual. 500g covers approximately 74m2 (800 ft²).
(Open-pollinated seeds)
Details
Botanical Name
Fagopyrum esculentum
Common Name
Buckwheat
Hardiness Zone
Appearance
Max Height
3 feet
Max Spread
Plant Form
- Upright
Foliage Colour
- Green
Fall Colour
Flower Colour
- White
Edible
Edible Component
Edible Harvest Period
Edible Use
Fruit Colour
Growing
Flowering Period
Moisture
Sunlight
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Maintenance
Deer Resistance
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