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 1.2-2.0 mS/cm. pH 6.0-8.5 (salt-tolerant and handles alkaline conditions). Temperature: 7–28°C (cool-season; heat above 30°C during flowering reduces seed set). Moderate to high light (DLI 18-26 mol/m2/day). Direct seed into media beds. The plants are tall (1–2 m) and may need staking in exposed spots. From seed to grain harvest: 100-130 days. Harvest when the seed heads dry on the plant and the seeds rub off easily. After harvest, rub the seed heads to release the seed, winnow off the chaff, then rinse thoroughly through several changes of water to remove the bitter saponins (the water foams; keep rinsing until it stops), and dry the seed completely before storage. Each plant yields 30–60 g of grain, so it is a fascinating educational crop but modest in yield for the space it takes.
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. |