Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)
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£32.00
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❤️ Why you'll love it
A fast-growing, drought-tolerant grain crop with delicate white flowers that pollinators flock to all summer. Traditionally grown as a soil-improving cover crop and ancient staple grain, buckwheat asks for little and gives generously in return.
🌿 Details
How to grow Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) in the UK
Position & Light:
Grow in a sunny, open position for the best growth, although buckwheat will tolerate light shade. It is a fast-growing annual, perfect for vegetable plots, empty beds, wildlife borders and as a green manure. Sow outdoors from late spring, once all risk of frost has passed, as young plants are frost tender.
Soil & Watering:
Buckwheat grows well in most soils, including poor and slightly acidic ground, as long as it is reasonably well-drained. Sow seed thinly on prepared, raked soil and cover lightly. Water after sowing and during the first few weeks while seedlings establish. Once growing, buckwheat is drought tolerant and rarely needs extra watering except in prolonged dry weather.
Feeding:
No feeding is needed. Buckwheat thrives in low-fertility soil and excess nitrogen can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning & Maintenance:
Buckwheat flowers within about six weeks of sowing and the blooms are a magnet for bees, hoverflies and other beneficial insects. If growing as a green manure, cut it down just as flowers appear and before seeds set, then dig or chop the stems into the soil or leave them on the surface as a mulch. For a continuous supply of flowers and ground cover, sow at intervals through summer, up to late summer. To grow for grain, leave plants to set seed and harvest when most seeds have turned brown.
Common Problems:
- Frost damage: Seedlings are very frost tender. Wait until frosts have passed before sowing outdoors.
- Poor germination: Sow into warm, moist soil and keep the seedbed damp until seedlings emerge.
- Self-seeding: Buckwheat will readily self-seed if left to set seed. Cut it down before seeds mature if you do not want it to spread.
- Weak growth: Very wet or waterlogged soil can cause poor growth. Choose a well-drained position.
- Pests: Generally trouble-free, although slugs may graze very young seedlings.
Supplied bare root, carefully packed with a moisture source to ensure freshness.
Plant height: approximately 10cm.
Please remember that most plants (except Evergreens) are dormant in Autumn/Winter so your order may have no leaves until Spring.
🪴 What Does Bare Root Mean?
Our plants have their full root systems but are carefully removed from the pot and soil before delivery.
The roots are wrapped in moist material and eco-friendly packaging to keep them fresh during transit.
It's less messy, reduces waste, and allows the plant to settle into your garden more easily once planted.
🌱 Sustainably Grown in Britain
Plants are sustainably grown and harvested at our nursery in the South West UK, without the use of pesticides or herbicides.
Packaged using biodegradable materials for an eco-conscious delivery.
📜 Certified & Compliant
We are APHA-authorized for Plant Passports: your assurance that our plants are healthy, pest-free, and meet UK plant health regulations.
🚚 Combined Postage & Fast Dispatch
No extra delivery charge when you buy multiple plants from us! Simply add all the plants you love to your basket and pay one flat delivery fee at checkout.
Shipped via UPS Express, so they are in transit for less than 24 hours: includes care cards tailored to each plant you order.
Orders are sent out at the beginning of each week to reduce time in transit,
see Delivery information.
📌 Planting Advice
Upon arrival, plant immediately in a cool, shaded spot (indoors or outdoors) and water thoroughly.
Once new growth appears, move to the final growing location.
💚 Our Guarantee
If your plant doesn't survive delivery*, just send us a photo and we'll send a replacement (or issue a refund).
No hassle, no worries.
* provided you accept the first delivery attempt