Chenopodium quinoa
Quinoa
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Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) - Description
Quinoa is native to South America, but is often found in southern Canada and northern U.S., where it is grown as a highly nutritious crop plant. Plants do well in cooler conditions, with full sun or partial shade, and soil that is rich and well-draining. Both the leaves and the fruit (seeds) of quinoa are harvested. The leaves work nicely in salads, and the grain is used to make high-protein foods. Quinoa contains nearly all of the essential amino acids, and fulfills the requirements for human beings more than cow's milk or soybeans do. These grain-like crops make a great addition to a home garden.
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) - Blooming
Blooms attractive flowers of unusual colors followed by fruit (seeds) that are harvested as grains. Extreme hot conditions and warm nighttime temperatures may hamper fruit production.
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) - Growth
Quinoa is a grain-like crop that grows best in areas with climates that don't exceed 90F (32C), and where nighttime temperatures are cool. High soil temperatures, above 60F (15C), may inhibit the seeds from germinating. Quinoa works well as a garden plant.
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) - Planting
Propagate from the seed in spring. Sow seeds about 1/4" deep in rows spaced about 1-2' apart in a moist, well prepared soil surface.
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) - Pest
Uncommon.
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) - Interesting facts
Quinoa is referred to as a pseudocereal, instead of a true cereal, because it is not a grass. The coating of the grains must be removed before eating, as it contains bitter tasting saponins that are mildly toxic. Quinoa is rich in the amino acid lysine, which is often in low quantity in other cereals, such as barley, wheat, sorghum, and corn.
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) - Soil and irrigation
Quinoa does best in well-drained loam, but can grow in most soil types as long as the soil has good drainage. Rich soils with added compost will harness greater growth than poorer soils. The only soil type that quinoa cannot tolerate is poorly aerated clay soils. Soil based potting mixes work fine for indoor plants. Water liberally during the growing season, less in winter. Once established, quinoa is extremeley drought tolerant, and can grow with as little as 10" of water.
