100 Buckwheat Seeds, Fagopyrum Esculentum

Sowing **Fagopyrum esculentum**, or common buckwheat, is a simple method to grow this useful and ecological plant. Buckwheat is valued for its edible seeds, its honey-producing properties, and its ability to improve the soil. Here is a detailed guide to successfully sowing **Fagopyrum esculentum**:

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### **Steps for sowing Fagopyrum esculentum**

#### **1. Sowing period:**
- **Spring**: From May to June, when the risk of frost has passed.
- **Summer**: From July to early August, for a harvest before the first cold weather.

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#### **2. Harvesting seeds:**
- Buckwheat seeds are harvested after flowering, when the seeds ripen and turn brown.
- Clean and dry the harvested seeds before sowing them.

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#### **3. Seed preparation:**
**Fagopyrum esculentum** seeds do not require any special pretreatment. They can be sown directly.

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#### **4. Soil preparation:**
- **Type of soil**:
- Buckwheat adapts to a wide variety of soils, but prefers light, well-drained, and slightly acidic soils (pH 5.5 to 6.5).
- **Preparation** :
- Loosen the surface soil to a depth of **10 to 15 cm**.
- Weed carefully to limit competition.
- **Fertilization**:
- No specific fertilization is necessary, as buckwheat thrives in poor soils.

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#### **5. Sowing seeds:**

##### **In open ground (recommended):**
1. **Seed Arrangement**:
- Sow directly into the ground at a depth of **2 to 3 cm**.
- Space seeds **10 to 15 cm** apart in rows, with **20 to 30 cm** spacing between rows.
2. **Watering**:
- Water lightly after sowing to moisten the soil.

##### **In pots or boxes (optional)**:
- This is rarely done for buckwheat, because it grows better directly in the open ground.

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#### **6. Germination conditions:**
- **Ideal temperature**:
- Between **15°C and 25°C**.
- **Humidity** :
- Maintain light humidity, without excess water.
- **Germination time**:
- Seeds usually germinate in **5 to 10 days**, depending on conditions.

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#### **7. Care after germination:**
1. **Watering**:
- Water moderately to keep the soil slightly moist, especially in dry periods.
2. **Lightening**:
- If the plants are too close together, thin out to leave approximately **10 cm** between each plant.
3. **Weeding**:
- Remove weeds to avoid competition.

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#### **8. Growth and flowering:**
- **Growth time**:
- Buckwheat reaches maturity in **60 to 80 days** after sowing.
- **Bloom** :
- White or pink flowers appear about 30 days after sowing and attract pollinators.

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#### **9. Harvesting seeds:**
1. **When to harvest**:
- Harvest when seeds turn brown and harden, usually 10 to 15 days after flowering ends.
2. **How to harvest**:
- Cut the stems and let them dry in a dry place before beating the seeds to separate them.

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#### **10. Long-term maintenance:**
- **Green manure**:
- If you use buckwheat as a green manure, mow it before it sets seed and incorporate it into the soil.
- **Crop rotation**:
- Incorporate buckwheat into a crop rotation to enrich the soil and break disease cycles.

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### **Benefits of growing Fagopyrum esculentum:**
1. **Honey**:
- Attracts bees and other pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers.
2. **Soil improvement**:
- Buckwheat roots loosen the soil, and its residues enrich the organic matter.
3. **Hardy plant**:
- Tolerates poor soils and requires little maintenance.

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### **Additional Tips:**
1. **Culinary use**:
- Buckwheat seeds can be ground to produce flour or used in dishes such as kasha.
2. **Companionship**:
- Grow buckwheat near crops susceptible to weeds to limit their proliferation thanks to its smothering effect.
3. **Climate**:
- Buckwheat prefers temperate climates and is not frost tolerant.

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### **Conclusion :**
Sowing **Fagopyrum esculentum** is easy and offers many benefits, from enriching the soil, feeding pollinators, and producing edible seeds. With minimal maintenance, it is a versatile and sustainable crop. 🌱🌾