Those seeds are gluten-free, high in protein, and have an earthy, nutty, somewhat sweet flavor.
The young, tender leaves are also edible and nutritious, with a texture andflavor like spinach.
Thisfast-growing edible planttolerates dry conditions and infertile soil, but will do best with regular moisture and loamy soil.
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It doesnt grow well in consistently moist, boggy sites.
Wherever you plant quinoa, expect it to readily self-seed.
It’s easy to pull up unwanted seedlings or scuffle them away with a hoe.
Many quinoa varieties turn brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange in fall.
Plant quinoa where you need apop of late-season color.
Quinoa can be grown in large containers.
In warm regions, quinoa can be planted as early as February.
Quinoa tolerates cool temperatures and will germinate in soil temperatures ranging from 36 to 68F.
Plant seeds 1 to 2 inches apart and one-quarter inch deep in rows 12 to 24 inches apart.
Quinoa sprouts quicklyseedlings usually emerge in 7 to 10 days.
When seedlings emerge, thin plants to 12 inches apart.
Dont skip thinning seedlings to 12 inches apart.
Proper spacing produces larger plants with multiple seed-bearing stems.
Like most vegetable crops, it needs full sun to flower and mature.
Plant it away from trees and buildings, which will cast shade throughout the day.
Soil and Water
Quinoa produces the most grain inwell-drained, fertile soil.
Yield decreases slightly when it is planted in average and infertile soil, but the yield difference is minor.
Quinoa tolerates poor soil well.
Water quinoa during extended dry spells and drought.
Quinoa seed sprouts readily.
Mature seeds awaiting harvest will sprout if they get wet.
Harvest ripe quinoa seeds as soon as possible.
Temperature and Humidity
Quinoa grows best in moderate temperatures and low humidity.
Temperatures above 95F will prevent flowers from maturing and producing seeds.
Fertilizer
Provides nutrients for quinoa by mixing well-decomposedcompost into the soilat planting time, if desired.
Thisancient graingrows well in lean, infertile soil and doesnt require supplemental fertilization in almost all growing areas.
Harvesting
Quinoa seed is ready to harvest when the seed coat is barely dented by a fingernail.
Typically, plants are completely dry and the leaves drop when the seed is mature.
Depending on when quinoa was planted, it is often ready to harvest in August or September.
Most varieties of quinoa are ready to harvest about 90-100 days after planting.
Next, clean the harvested seed by removing the chaff.
Spread the seed onto a cloth and position a fan nearby.
Turn on the fan and the moving air will blow away the lighter chaff.
Its often necessary to remove large chaff by hand.
Keep quinoa in anairtight containerin a refrigerator for long-term storage.
It can also be stored in a paper bag at room temperature for three to six months.
Its necessary to remove the soap-like coating, called saponins, on thequinoa seeds before cooking.
Remove saponins by repeatedly soaking the seed and rinsing it with water until soapy bubbles are no longer present.
Harvest the young, tender leaves of quinoa plants anduse them like spinach in salads.
Harvesting many leaves from young plants will reduce the seed yield.
Pests and Problems
Weeds are the most troublesome pest to quinoa plants.
They grow alongside quinoa and compete for valuable soil moisture and nutrients.
Some weeds, such as thistle and mustard, arehosts for aphidsthat attack quinoa.
Pull thistle and mustard growing nearby to help control the aphid population.
Useneem oilto control aphids if needed.
How to Propagate Quinoa
Save quinoa seeds for plantingthe following year.
Types of Quinoa
Cherry Vanilla grows 3 to 5 feet tall and has cream-to-pink flower heads.
The lush, colorful plants are popular in the flower garden as well as the vegetable garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
Quinoa from the grocery store is usually a variety unique to the growing conditions in South America.
It will not thrive and produce seed in North American gardens.
Find quinoa garden seed through online seed sources.
Quinoa produces seeds when grown outdoors, just like peppers, tomatoes, and other fruiting plants.
Grow quinoa indoors for use as a salad green.
Small, young plants are easier to maintain indoors than the 5- to 7-foot-tall seed-producing plants.
