Quinoa
Chenopodium quinoa
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Pl. 795F — Chenopodium quinoa
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IOverview
Overview
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is an annual plant native to the Andean region of South America, including countries such as Argentina Northwest, Bolivia, Chile North, Ecuador, and Peru. Known for its edible seeds that are widely recognized for their nutritional value, quinoa thrives in full sun with moist soil, adapting well to light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) conditions. It reaches a height of about 1.5 meters and is propagated by direct seeding outdoors, requiring thinning to maintain a spacing of 10 cm. The plant's leaves are also edible, adding an additional culinary benefit.
Quick answers
What is Quinoa?
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is an annual plant native to the Andean region of South America, including countries such as Argentina Northwest, Bolivia, Chile North, Ecuador, and Peru.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Quinoa thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is best propagated by direct seeding outdoors, thinning plants to 10 cm apart. This annual grows up to 1.5 meters tall and is hardy in zones 10-12. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for optimal growth. Harvest leaves as needed throughout the growing season.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
1.5 m tall
- Propagation
- Direct seed outdoors, thin to 10cm
- Row spacing
- 10 cm
For first-time growers
How to grow Quinoa for the first time
8steps
Start with direct seeding outdoors for a simple and rewarding first attempt at growing quinoa.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, garden soil, a trowel or rake.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are above 10°C.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a light, well-draining soil. Ensure the area gets full sun.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct seed outdoors, spacing seeds about 30 cm apart. Thin to 10 cm after germination.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during this critical period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially in dry periods. Avoid overwatering. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any dead leaves to maintain plant health. Harvest the seeds when they turn golden brown.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too close together, neglecting to thin seedlings.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of quinoa are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often used in salads or as a nutritious addition to soups and stews. Skip
Other uses:DyeSoap
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 5 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 5 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 5 native· 5 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)United Kingdom
Americas3 regions
native (3)BoliviaEcuadorPeru
Broader regions
native:Chile North, Argentina Northwest
introduced:Chile Central, Chile South, Czechoslovakia, Argentina Northeast
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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