Bottom line:
my initial report to you guys is that as of today my buchweat I planted just a few weeks ago is in full bloom. At 1030 this morning, I walked out into the field (3/4 acre) and every single plant had at least one bee on it. The plants were rocking back and forth from teh activity - and there was absolutely no breeze. Temperature wasin low 80s. I came back at 5 and there was not a bee in sight.
Variety - I asked the clerk at my feed/seed storefor a variety that was NOT self pollinating. He shrugged his shoulders and said this is what we got, want it or not? Turned out I received 50 pounds of something called "mancan" cultivar of buckweat. My cost was $35.00. it is supposed to last a year in teh bag.
I used a 9 point chisel plow (7 feet wide) to plow, (red clay) then I simply broadcast the seed, which are huge and the shape of beechnuts. The ground was new ground, and I did not addany fertilizer, lime, or other amendment.
We are in a dearth right now, and if it were not for this bit of good fortune my bees might have some hard times. Our first frost is generally October 15th. Buckwheat is reported to bloom until first frost, so looks like I have 2 more months of natural feed for 35 bucks! by teh way, my wife commented on how nice it is to walk through a field of blooming buckwheat this time of year.
I have 10 hives of Italians. Screened bottom boards. I hope this information helps someone else.