Perennial quinoa
Chenopodium spp.
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Pl. 4B28 — Chenopodium spp.
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IOverview
Overview
Perennial quinoa (Chenopodium spp.) is a hardy perennial plant that can grow up to 2 meters in height and thrives in various soil types, including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils. Native to regions such as Afghanistan, Alabama, Albania, Algeria, and parts of Asia, this plant is known for its edible leaves and seeds. It prefers a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 and can tolerate dry to moist conditions. One distinctive feature of perennial quinoa is its ability to grow in hardiness zones 4-10, making it adaptable to diverse climates. Its ornamental qualities are not widely recognized, but its edible parts make it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes where food production is desired.
Quick answers
What is Perennial quinoa?
Perennial quinoa (Chenopodium spp.) is a hardy perennial plant that can grow up to 2 meters in height and thrives in various soil types, including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Perennial quinoa thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers a well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It is adaptable to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). This plant requires dry to moist conditions and can grow up to 2 meters tall. Hardy in temperate regions, perennial quinoa can be propagated through seeds or division. Harvest its edible leaves and seeds for a nutritious addition to your garden.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-10
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
2.0 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Perennial quinoa for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance perennial that thrives in various conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
Perennial quinoa seeds or plants, garden tools like a spade and rake.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil; amend as needed for pH 5.5–6.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, spacing them about 30 cm apart in rows 60 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Fertilize lightly with compost every spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any dead or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth; harvest seeds when they turn brown.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Perennial quinoa is edible and can be consumed in various forms. The leaves and seeds are commonly eaten. Leaves are often used fresh in salads or cooked as a vegetable. Seeds can be harvested and ground into flour for baking or prepared like grains by boiling. Both parts are typically enjoyed raw or lightly cooked, making them versatile additions to meals.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe10 regions
native (10)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusFrancePortugalRussiaSpain
Asia4 regions
native (4)AfghanistanBangladeshChinaIndia
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaDjibouti
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Altay, Amur, Arkansas, Baltic States, Buryatiya, Chita, Connecticut, Czechoslovakia, Delaware, District of Columbia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 4b287046-fdd2-44db-a2fa-fc941d20ca66
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