Plant Database / Quinoa plant care

Quinoa

Chenopodium quinoa

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Quinoa is part of the Chenopodium genus. Its scientific name is Chenopodium quinoa.

Grown for its edible seeds and leaves, Quinoa is a grain that has been to known to be cultivated for at least 5000-6000 years.

Rinse seeds and leaves thoroughly before eating as both contain saponin, a toxin. The toxin however is usually present in such small quantities that it has an extremely little chance of doing any harm. Don’t eat leaves to excess to avoid any ill-effects from the saponin.

To prepare the grains for eating, place in a water bath for 1-2 hours, rinsing and changing the water 1-2 times. Other methods include placing grain in a cheesecloth or fine strainer and placing it under running water to remove the saponin.

Quinoa can be prepared like rice, although for a more al dente texture, mix equal parts quinoa and water.

It is a herb / vegetable that typically grows as an annual, which is defined as a plant that matures and completes its lifecycle over the course of a single year. Quinoa is known for its forb habit and growing to a height of approximately 1.20 metres (3.90 feet). This plant tends to bloom in mid summer, followed by first harvests in late summer.

Chile is believed to be where Quinoa originates from.

Quinoa is normally fairly low maintenance and is normally quite easy to grow, as long as a level of basic care is provided throughout the year. Being aware of the basic soil, sun and water preferences will result in a happier and healthier plant.

This plant info is provided by the myfolia gardener's wiki. All details about Quinoa have been kindly provided by our members.

How to grow Quinoa

Medium

Quinoa can cross with it’s weedy cousins (like lambs quarters) so keep the garden weeded thoroughly if you plan to save seed for next year.

Is a great bird resistant grain thanks to the bitter taste of the saponin on the seeds and leaves.

Once plants mature, they are more tolerant of dry conditions, but younger plants require more regular watering.

Remember to water Quinoa moderately. Use Zone 3 - Zone 10 as your guideline for the appropriate climate for this plant. Quinoa tends to grow best in a soil ph of between 6.0 and 8.5 meaning it does best in weakly acidic soil - weakly alkaline soil. Keep in mind when planting that Quinoa is thought of as tender, so remember to wait until your soil is warm and the night time temperature is well above freezing before moving outside.

Growing Quinoa from seed

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 5.85 inches (15.0 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.23 inches (0.6 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 10°C / 50°F to ensure good germination.

Transplanting Quinoa

Companion plants for Quinoa

These plants have been known to grow well alongside Quinoa so consider planting:

Repellent plants for Quinoa

These plants will not grow well with Quinoa so avoid planting these within close proximity:

Quinoa care instructions

Category The lifecycle that this Quinoa exhibits. Annual Difficulty How easy is Quinoa to grow? Easy 2/5
Lifecycle The lifecycle that this Quinoa exhibits. Annual Growth Habit What shape or habit does Quinoa grow into? Forb
Hardiness How frost hardy is Quinoa? Tender Country of Origin Where did Quinoa come from? Chile
Mature Height How tall does Quinoa grow? 1.20 metres / 3.90 feet Mature Spread How wide does Quinoa grow? Help build our wiki!
USDA Zone Range Which zones does Quinoa grow best in? Zone 3 to Zone 10 pH Range The level of acidity for Quinoa. 6.0 - 8.5
Water Requirements How much water does Quinoa require? Medium Nitrogen Requirements How much nitrogen fertilizer does Quinoa need? Help build our wiki!
Soil What sort of soil should I plant Quinoa in? Help build our wiki! Sun How much sunlight does Quinoa need to grow? Help build our wiki!
Can Sow Direct? Can Quinoa be sown directly? Yes Sowing Depth How deep to plant Quinoa? 0.6 cm / 0.23 inches
Sowing Distance Apart How far apart to plant Quinoa? 15.0 cm / 5.85 inches Sowing Row Distance Apart How far apart to plant rows of Quinoa? 25.0 cm / 9.75 inches
Ideal Germination Temperature Range What temperatures does Quinoa need in order to germinate? 10°C / 50°F to 25°C / 77°F Growing Temperatures What temperatures are best to grow Quinoa in? Help build our wiki! to Help build our wiki!
Planting Distance Apart How far apart to plant Quinoa seedlings. 20.0 cm / 7.8 inches Planting Row Distance Apart How far apart to plant rows of Quinoa seedlings. 25.0 cm / 9.75 inches
Bloom Time When will Quinoa bloom? Mid Summer Harvest Time When is Quinoa ready for harvest? Late Summer
Pruning Time When should I prune Quinoa? Late Summer

How long does Quinoa take to grow?

These estimates for how long Quinoa takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world. Start logging and journaling your observations to participate!

Days to Germination How long does it take Quinoa to germinate? 4 days Average 4 days | Min 2 days | Max 14 days (4)
Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Quinoa? + days Average days | Min days | Max days (0)
Days to Maturity How long until Quinoa is ready for harvest / bloom? + days Average days | Min days | Max days (0)
Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Quinoa? = days

Footnotes

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