Quinoa
Chenopodium quinoa
Also known asKinwa · Kiwicha (related) · Goosefoot grain · Inca rice · Suba
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 4–9 (winter low around -34°C)
- Frost
- frost hardy
- Season
- cool (spring/fall)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.8 |
| vegetative | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1.5 |
| flowering | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1.6 |
| fruiting | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1.5 |
Aquaponics suitability
Not recommended
Fish waste alone doesn't supply enough of what this crop demands. Grows in hybrid systems with supplemental dosing, but expect active management.
Care notes
Not a standard hydroponic crop, but feasible in media beds or large containers for personal use. EC 1.5-2.5 mS/cm. pH 6.0-7.5 (salt-tolerant, handles slightly alkaline conditions). Temperature: 15–25°C (cool-season; heat above 30°C during flowering reduces seed set). Moderate to high light (DLI 14-22 mol/m2/day). Direct seed into media beds. The plants are tall (1–2 m) and may need staking in exposed conditions. From seed to grain harvest: 90-120 days. Harvest when the seed heads dry on the plant and the seeds can be rubbed off easily. Processing after harvest: rub the seed heads to release seeds, winnow to remove chaff, and rinse thoroughly in several changes of water to remove bitter saponins (the water foams; keep rinsing until the foam stops). Dry rinsed seeds completely before storage. Each plant produces 30–60 g of seed. A fascinating crop to grow for educational purposes and personal use, but yields per plant are modest for the space occupied.
Notable varieties
| Cultivar | Type | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Vanilla | open pollinated | 105 | Wild Garden Seed (Oregon) selection. Vivid pink-cream variegated seed heads, low-saponin (less rinsing needed), excellent home-garden performer. The variety most US home growers start with. Tolerates a wider temperature range than pure Andean cultivars. |
| Brightest Brilliant Rainbow | open pollinated | 110 | Multi-color seed strain from Wild Garden Seed, mixed red/orange/pink/yellow/cream heads from one packet. Striking ornamental in addition to grain crop. Performance varies plant-to-plant; useful for someone growing for visual and culinary mix. |
| Cochabamba | open pollinated | 120 | Bolivian valley type, the traditional white-seeded quinoa most commercial production uses. Low-saponin. Needs the high-altitude / cool-summer conditions that match its Bolivian origin. Less reliable in lowland gardens than Cherry Vanilla. |
| Black Quinoa | open pollinated | 110 | Specialty selection with black-coated seeds. Holds shape and slightly nuttier flavor than white quinoa once cooked. The seed-color types (red, black) sell at premium and are more common in specialty home plantings. |