Step-by-Step Growing Guide
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is a cool-season Andean pseudocereal that performs best in cool, sunny conditions with well-drained, fertile soil at pH 6.0–7.5. It tolerates poor, saline, and sandy soils far better than most grains. Direct sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep, 5 cm apart in rows 45–60 cm wide, in early spring as soon as soil can be worked (soil temperature 7–12°C) — or in fall in mild climates for winter growth. Thin to 25–30 cm spacing. Quinoa is cool-season and bolts (runs to seed unproductively) in sustained heat above 32°C — time planting to avoid peak summer heat by harvesting in early summer or growing as a fall crop. It is surprisingly drought-tolerant once established, requiring water mainly during germination and seed fill. Minimal fertilization is needed; a light application of balanced fertilizer at planting is sufficient. Quinoa plants produce saponin-coated seed heads that deter birds somewhat, but the distinctive magenta and gold seed heads are beautiful in the garden.