The meadow knotweed (Polygonum bistorta) is a low-growing perennial that spreads like a carpet. The plant reproduces via rhizomes and its seeds, which ripen in late summer. By the way, these can be prepared like the related buckwheat.
How to use knotweed seeds?
Knotweed seeds, especially those of the meadow knotweed, can be harvested, washed and cooked in late summer. They are suitable as an accompaniment to vegetable dishes or can be ground and added to flour. The plant is also known as tea in medicine.
Sowing meadow knotweed in autumn
The meadow knotweed loves moist soil and therefore thrives particularly well near standing or flowing water. Thanks to its long, lush flowers, it is very popular as an ornamental plant, but also as a bee pasture. In addition, both the young leaves and shoots as well as the seeds can be prepared in a variety of different and tasty ways. Propagate the meadow knotweed either via root pieces or seeds. Proceed as follows when sowing:
- The meadow knotweed is a cold germinator.
- For this reason, it is best to sow seeds directly outdoors in autumn.
- Alternatively, sowing in seed trays is also possible.
- Use sowing soil (€6.00 on Amazon) or a gravel mixture.
- Then the probability is highest that the plant will germinate well.
- If this is not possible, simulate the natural course.
- First, the seeds are kept moist and warm (at a maximum of 20 °C) for about three weeks.
- This is followed by a cold period with temperatures around freezing point for at least four weeks.
- You can simulate this in the fridge (not the freezer!).
- The cooling period is followed by a period at 5 to 10 °C.
- This should last for several weeks.
- Germination occurs when the temperature is then slowly increased.
Process seeds like buckwheat
Both the young leaves and shoots of the meadow knotweed can be eaten as a vegetable in spring, but only before flowering. In late summer - i.e. in the months of August and September - you can collect the ripe seeds, because they can be prepared and used like the related buckwheat - also a knotweed plant. Meadow knotweed seeds can be ground and added to flour or as a side dish (e.g. E.g. with vegetable dishes). The plant is also used in medicine as a tea.
How to properly prepare meadow knotweed seeds
The freshly collected meadow knotweed seeds are best prepared in this tried and tested way:
- Wash the grains thoroughly with hot water before cooking.
- Pour meadow knotweed and water into a pot in a ratio of 1:2.
- Put the whole thing on cold and cover the pot with a lid.
- Let the mixture boil.
- Simmer the seeds until the water is completely absorbed.
- Then wash the grains thoroughly again with hot water.
- With a little butter and s alt, the grains make a delicious side dish.
Tips & Tricks
The creeping knotweed, a climbing plant, can also be propagated from seeds. Only the Japanese knotweed does not produce seeds, as there are only female specimens in Europe.
