The kernels of the triangular shaped seeds are about 6mm long and enclosed by a
tough, dark brown, black or grey rind. Seeds contain about 6% of the essential
amino acid lysine and are also a source of Vitamin B 6. The flour (96% extraction)
contains about 11% protein (very rich in lysine) and 2% fat, as well as some Vitamin
B 1 and B 2.
Three other species of buckwheat are also grown: Tartary or Mountain
Buckwheat (F. tartaricum) which thrives and produces crops in very poor soils and
in a short growing season, Winged Buckwheat (F. emarginatum syn. Eriogonum
The plant is an annual, 50–160 cm tall, with a single stem and many branches.
of the true cereals. The flowers are normally white, with a pleasant honey smell, and
pollinated by bees, hoverflies and other insects.
Buckwheat grows best in cool, moist climates, though it is frost sensitive. It is
sometimes grown in India and at high altitudes in the tropics.
The global production of buckwheat was 2.9 million MT in 2004, according to
FAO. Russia is the main producer and it is also grown widely in France, Poland,
Ukraine, Belarus, Austria, Germany, Romania, Canada, Brazil, USA, China and
Japan.
PLANTING
Propagation: early sowings are for seed or leaf crops, later sowings are used mainly
for leaf crops or green manure.
Soil: should be light and well drained. Buckwheat grows well on poor, sandy and
acidic soils, and often does not respond well to fertilisers. However, phosphatic
fertiliser may increase yields significantly in poor soil. Too much Nitrogen causes
weak plants, and therefore exacerbates lodging. Good drainage is important.
Tolerance to soil acidity similar to oats and potatoes.
Seed rate: 40–66 kg/ha. 40–50,000 seeds per kg. It self-seeds freely.
Depth: 1–3 cm. Germination takes about 5 days.
Rotation: it removes large amounts of nutrients from the soil, and should ideally
follow a well fertilised crop, and be followed by a winter (ie autumn sown) crop
GROWTH CONDITIONS
Day length: there are both long-day and day-neutral varieties.
Growth period: about 100 days. A crop of leaves can grow in 8 weeks. The seed
ripens irregularly, so it is difficult to harvest.
Temperature: buckwheat prefers a cool climate, though the plant at all stages is
killed by frost. Seed set is poor at high temperatures. Seed will germinate between
7 C and 41 C, though the optimum is about 26 C.
The root system is only about 3% of the weight of the plant, compared with 6 1– 4%
°° °
Root Rots (Rhizoctonia) can occur. Wireworms and aphids sometimes cause some
Pests and diseases: these are rarely a problem. Leaf Spot (Ramularia spp.) and
GROWING FOOD – THE FOOD PRODUCTION HANDBOOK 111
(F. cymosum syn. F. dibotrys) with edible seeds, and leaves that are rich in rutin.
alatum) a perennial with edible roots and seeds, and Perennial Buckwheat
Seed spacing: buckwheat seed is very often broadcast. 7–15 cm between plants.
which is well fertilised.