The meadow or snake knotweed (Polygonum bistorta) is a perennial that stays low and spreads like a carpet. The plant propagates via rhizomes and its seeds, which mature in late summer. Incidentally, these can be prepared like the related buckwheat.
After flowering, the knotweed forms seeds in late summer
Sow 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 tasty ways. Propagate the knotweed either with root pieces or seeds. Proceed as follows when sowing:
- The meadow knotweed is a cold germ.
- For this reason, it is best to sow directly outdoors in autumn.
- Alternatively, sowing in seed trays is also possible.
- Use seed compost or a gravel mix.
- 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 max. 20 °C) for about three weeks.
- This is followed by a cold period with temperatures around the freezing point for at least four weeks.
- You can simulate this in the fridge (not in the freezer!).
- The cooling period is followed by a period at 5 to 10 °C.
- This should last for several weeks.
- With a subsequent slow increase in temperature, germination occurs.
Process seeds like buckwheat
Both the young leaves and the shoots of the meadow knotweed can be eaten as a vegetable in spring, but only before flowering. In late summer - ergo 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 into flour or eaten as an accompaniment (e.g. with vegetable dishes). In medicine, the plant is also used as a tea.
Prepare knotweed seeds properly
The preparation of freshly collected knotweed seeds is best done in this tried and tested way:
- Before cooking, wash the grains thoroughly with hot water.
- Put knotweed and water in a ratio of 1:2 in a pot.
- Put the whole thing on cold and cover the pot with a lid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the seeds until the water is completely absorbed.
- Then wash the grains again thoroughly with hot water.
- With a little butter and salt, the grains make a delicious side dish.
tips and tricks
The knotweed, a climbing plant, can also be propagated by seeds. Only the Japanese knotweed does not form any seeds, as there are only female specimens in Europe.