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Tartarian Buckwheat

Fagopyrum tataricum
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Fagopyrum tataricum (Tartarian Buckwheat) — botanical photograph
Pl. 2204 — Fagopyrum tataricum
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Overview

Tartarian Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) is an annual forb or herb native to the mountainous regions of China North-Central, South-Central, and Tibet. This plant thrives in a variety of soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay), with a preferred pH range of 4.6 to 6.5. Known for its edible leaves and seeds, it is commonly cultivated for food. One distinctive feature of this plant is its height of about 0.8 meters, making it easily recognizable in the landscape. Tartarian Buckwheat can be found growing in light and dry to moist habitats, adapting well to different soil conditions. Its native range extends from China's central regions to Tibet, where it thrives in diverse environments. This plant has been introduced into numerous countries across Europe, Asia, North America, and beyond, including Afghanistan, Albania, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, and many others. The edible parts of Tartarian Buckwheat include its leaves and seeds, making it a valuable crop for agricultural settings. Its rapid growth rate and ability to thrive in various conditions make it a versatile plant for cultivation. However, due to its invasive nature, it is considered a weed potential in some areas. While primarily used as an edible crop, Tartarian Buckwheat can also be appreciated for its ornamental value in gardens and landscapes. Its coarse foliage and white flowers add visual interest to the garden while providing food sources for wildlife. When cultivating this plant, ensure it receives adequate sunlight (8/10 light requirement) and maintain soil moisture levels within the dry to moist range. Cautiously note that while Tartarian Buckwheat is edible, no medicinal benefits or specific compounds are currently documented in its profile.

Quick answers

What is Tartarian Buckwheat?

Tartarian Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) is an annual forb or herb native to the mountainous regions of China North-Central, South-Central, and Tibet. This plant thrives in a variety of soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay), with a preferred pH range of 4.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
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Cultivation

Tartarian Buckwheat thrives in light to moist conditions and prefers soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is best grown as an annual and can reach a height of 0.8 meters. The plant requires soil with a pH between 4.6 and 6.5 for optimal growth. For cultivation, ensure the site receives adequate sunlight while maintaining dry to moist soil conditions. Propagate through seed directly sown in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. This plant is hardy in temperate regions and can be harvested for its leaves and seeds.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.8 m tall
Soil pH
4.6–6.5
For first-time growers

How to grow Tartarian Buckwheat for the first time

7steps

Start with Tartarian Buckwheat as a simple annual crop for your garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds, a small trowel or scoop, and a watering can.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in early spring after the last frost, when soil is workable.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Choose a spot with well-draining soil that's not too heavy. Ensure the pH is between 4.6 and 6.5.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds about 1 cm deep, spacing them 20-30 cm apart in rows 60 cm apart.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil consistently moist until germination. Thin seedlings to ensure they have enough space.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune back any dead leaves or stems to encourage new growth and prevent disease spread.

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Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
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Distribution

3 native · 70 introduced
Distribution across2 continents· 3 native· 70 introduced
Europe14 regions
introduced (14)AlbaniaBelgiumDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyNetherlandsNorwayPolandRomaniaRussiaSwedenUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia10 regions
native (1)China
introduced (9)AfghanistanBangladeshChinaJapanKazakhstanMongoliaMyanmarNepalPakistan
Broader regions
introduced:Alberta, Altay, Amur, Buryatiya, Chita, Czechoslovakia, East Himalaya, Irkutsk, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Magadan, Maine, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New York, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Primorye, Québec, Rhode I., Sakhalin, Saskatchewan, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Tuva, Vermont, West Himalaya, West Virginia, Yakutskiya, Yugoslavia
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Fagopyrum tataricum (Tartarian Buckwheat) — botanical photograph
Tartarian Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum)
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Explore further

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