Growers
- Can I contract to grow buckwheat with The Birkett Mills?
- Yes, The Birkett Mills contracts directly with growers each Spring. View our Growers Contract Letter for more information.
- How do I grow buckwheat commercially?
- Cornell University provides extensive information about growing buckwheat on their website at http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/hort/faculty/bjorkman/buck/Buck.html. You may also download these guides for your reference: Factsheet 50 and Factsheet 51, also from Cornell. You may also give us a call at (315) 536-3311 or email us at orders@thebirkettmills.com and ask for our grower contract information. Include your mailing address and we’d be happy to mail you the information and a brochure.
- Where does buckwheat grow best?
- Buckwheat grows best in northern climates. Medium texture soils are best.
- Can I grow buckwheat in my backyard garden?
- Yes, it’s easy to grow your own buckwheat. It flourishes on poor soil, needs only a 10-week growing season, grows so thick that it smothers out weeds, and adds nitrogen and other nutrients to the soil.
- What is the timing on crop development?
- Buckwheat emerges 5 to 7 days after planting. It begins flowering about 5 weeks after planting, with full maturation taking place in approximately 70 days.
- When should buckwheat be planted and how much should be used?
- While typically planted in late-June, sowing may take place as late as mid-July. About 45 to 60 pounds are required per acre with 6 or 7 inch row spacing.
- What are typical costs and yields?
- The cost to plant buckwheat totals about $45 to $60 per acre for seed, fertilizer, fuel, repairs, etc. Yields typically range from 1000 to 1500 pounds per acre, with highs up to 2000 pounds per acre.
- Can buckwheat seeds be sprouted, and, if so, would these sprouts be edible?
- Unroasted buckwheat kernels (groats) and fresh seeds will sprout. Follow the same procedure as for mung bean, alfalfa sprouts, etc. Punch holes in lid of screwtop jar; soak overnight in cold water; drain off water; put jar in dark place; rinse seeds with fresh water and drain them 2 to 3 times each day. Sprouts will be ready to eat in 5 days. Exposing sprouts to sunlight will turn them green. Delicious added to pancake batter, muffins, salads, these sprouts are especially rich in rutin, a bioflavinoid believed to contribute to strong capillaries.