The life of a buckwheat plant

This page shows the normal development of buckwheat plants in New York. These were sown on July 8, 1997. They obtained a medium size that is ideal for good yield. This crop yielded 1250 lb/ac. There was a drought that restricted vegetative growth from 20 to 40 days after seeding.

21 DAP Second pair of true leaves. Beginning of rapid growth. Crusting danger is past.
28 DAP Flower buds just visible. Plants 12 to 15 tall. Peak heat sensitivity begins.
44 DAP Early flowering. Most of the seeds are set from flowers at this time. Leaf growth is finished.
52 DAP Peak flowering. No seeds are visible but most have set.
58 DAP First seeds are visble; aborted fruits begin to brown. New flowers will not make seeds.
62 DAP Maximum seed fill. Seeds are in the milk or dough stage. Lower leaves begin to yellow as nutrients are moved to seeds.
66 DAP Seeds begin to mature. Still flowering.
70 DAP Half the seeds mature, rest close. Rapid leaf shedding from translocation.
73 DAP Ready to harvest. About 70% of filled seeds are brown. Leaves have a yellowish cast.

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