Lifago is a high-performing European buckwheat variety developed for fast growth, weed suppression, and soil improvement. With its dense, leafy canopy and rapid establishment, it’s an excellent choice for growers looking to build soil health and prepare fields for future crops.

Key Benefits

• Rapid early growth for effective weed suppression
• Dense canopy helps smother weeds and protect soil
• Produces high biomass for organic matter improvement
• Helps unlock tied-up phosphorus for future crops
• Winter-kills naturally, leaving ideal residue for no-till planting
• Low water requirement and adaptable to varied soil conditions

Product Details

• Type: Buckwheat (cover crop)
• Variety: Lifago (European variety)
• Growth Habit: Large-leaf, dense canopy
• Planting Window: Late spring through late summer
• Maturity: Flowers quickly; seed matures 2–3 weeks after bloom

Ideal Uses

• Summer smother crop for weed control
• Break crop in crop rotations
• Soil-building cover crop for organic matter and tilth
• Preparing ground for transplants or no-till systems

Growing Characteristics

• Prefers full sun (not shade tolerant)
• Performs well in low fertility soils
• Requires well-drained soil (does not tolerate wet conditions)
• Biomass breaks down quickly for easy incorporation or planting into

Important Use Notes

• Not ideal for attracting pollinators due to low nectar production
• May reseed, but typically not competitive with following crops
• Avoid planting after certain herbicides, including:
  • Atrazine
  • Imazethapyr (Pursuit®)
  • Halosulfuron (Sandea®, Permit®)
  • Fomesafen (Reflex®)