Buckwheat

[Palustris]

This is normally grown as a green manure and dug in before it flowers. That much I know. We also eat the grains, both as flour and whole. First time we have seen seed on sale, but we were wondering if we grow it and allow it to flower and then harvest the seeds are we letting ourselves in for trouble with a persistent self seeding weed?

[Palustris]

[saddad]

If you are going to eat it I can't see it becoming a problem.... unless it's as vigerous as land cress....  :-X

[Vinlander]

I don't think any plant can become a problem weed with seeds as big as buckwheat! I can't see the birds leaving many on the surface...

I'm trying it this year mainly because I think most of the special flavour of this grain lies in the chocolate brown husk - and recently it has become almost impossible to buy genuinely wholegrain flour with that characteristic greyish look that comes from the husk.

Apparently the flowers are one of the best for attracting hoverflies too.

[Palustris]

Ta. That is what I thought, but since I do not grow the Veg these days, my Wife was a bit concerned.

[Ian Pearson]

Even if it does self-seed, it's an easy one to hoe or pull out.

[PurpleHeather]

I am interested in following this thread too because buckwheat flour (which has no relation to wheat at all, the name apparently comes from a very old tongue). It makes a decent gluten free flour. I don't think any one here is going to refine it into a fine grain but if any one has any information (I have found the 'Doves' variety) It would be welcome.