Growing Hydroponic Buckwheat Greens: Buckwheat Lettuce in Shallow Trays
Hydroponic buckwheat greens are the young shoots of Fagopyrum esculentum, often sold as buckwheat lettuce. NC State Extension describes buckwheat as a quick growing summer annual whose seed germinates within 3 to 4 days of sowing. That speed makes it among the quickest trays on a shelf.
The short answer
Soak buckwheat seed 6 to 12 hours, sow it on a mat or shallow tray, cover and weight it for a few days, then give it 16 to 18 hours of light. Cut the greens just above the mat once the first true leaves show, usually 7 to 21 days after sowing.
What is buckwheat lettuce?
Buckwheat lettuce is a market name for young shoots. NC State Extension notes that buckwheat is in the knotweed family and is not a legume, even though it is often grown beside peas and beans as a cover crop. Left to grow, it reaches about 2 1/2 feet and flowers, but for greens you cut it at a few inches.
How do you grow buckwheat greens in a tray?
The University of Maryland Extension lists buckwheat among the seeds that germinate faster after a 6 to 12 hour soak. Maryland notes that mats of hemp, coir or jute can take the place of potting mix in a standard 10 by 20 inch flat. Utah State University Extension describes covering the sown tray with a second tray and a 2 to 5 pound weight so the roots push down into the media.
Utah State suggests 74°F during germination, 72°F with lights on and 68°F with lights off, with lights on 18 hours a day. Maryland gives about 16 hours of light from fixtures 6 to 12 inches above the leaves, plus a small fan for airflow. Plan sowings with growing schedule for your hydroponics.
When should you cut them?
UConn Extension says microgreens are usually harvested 7 to 21 days after germination, once the first true leaves have emerged. Maryland puts microgreens at 2 to 3 inches tall and notes they will not regrow after cutting. Cut just above the mat with clean scissors and use or chill them soon.
Buckwheat greens growing basics
| Stage | What to do | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soak | 6 to 12 hours in water | Maryland lists buckwheat |
| Sow | Even layer on a mat | 10 by 20 inch flat |
| Dark | Cover and weight the tray | 74°F during germination |
| Light | 16 to 18 hours a day | Fixtures 6 to 12 inches above |
| Cut | When true leaves show | 2 to 3 inches, 7 to 21 days |
Sources: NC State Extension, University of Maryland Extension, Utah State University Extension, UConn Extension.
How to: step by step
- Soak buckwheat seed for 6 to 12 hours.
- Wet a growing mat in a 10 by 20 inch flat.
- Spread the seed evenly.
- Cover with a second tray and a light weight.
- Lift the cover once roots grip the mat and leave the shoots in the dark a little longer.
- Move the tray under lights for 16 to 18 hours a day.
- Cut above the mat once the true leaves show.
Troubleshooting
Seeds sit on top of the mat: weight the cover tray during the first days.
Mold on hulls: add airflow with a fan and vent any cover.
Thin, pale shoots: lower the lights or run them longer.
Grow a fast tray of buckwheat lettuce
Buckwheat is among the quickest greens from seed to plate. Compare mats and media in hydroponic in different mediums, stay on top of upkeep with caring for your hydroponic system and set the room with hydro setup environment for more greens from Kind Seed Co.
Sources
- Fagopyrum esculentum (buckwheat), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Growing microgreens and baby greens indoors, University of Maryland Extension
- Grow your own microgreens, Utah State University Extension
- Microgreens, UConn Extension
FAQ
Is buckwheat a grain or a green?
Both. NC State Extension notes the seed is eaten as a grain, while the young shoots are cut as greens.
Should buckwheat seed be soaked?
Yes. Maryland Extension lists buckwheat among the seeds that sprout faster after a 6 to 12 hour soak.
How tall should buckwheat greens get?
Maryland Extension puts microgreens at 2 to 3 inches tall at harvest.
Do buckwheat greens regrow?
No. Maryland Extension says microgreens do not regrow after cutting, so sow a fresh tray.
How many hours of light do they need?
Maryland suggests about 16 hours a day and Utah State runs lights 18 hours a day.
