Chenopodium quinoa
TAXONOMY
FamilyAmaranthaceae
GenusChenopodium
Zone8
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Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Chenopodium quinoa, commonly known as quinoa, is a flowering plant in the amaranth family, Amaranthaceae. It is native to the Andean region of South America, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Quinoa is an annual plant that grows to about 1-2 meters in height and produces small, edible seeds that are highly nutritious. It prefers subtropical climates and is known for its tolerance to poor soil conditions.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Chenopodium album f. subspontaneum
Chenopodium album subsp. quinoa
Chenopodium album var. quinoa
Chenopodium canihua
Chenopodium ccoyto
Chenopodium ccuchi-huila
Chenopodium chilense
Chenopodium guinoa
Chenopodium hircinum f. laciniatum
Chenopodium hircinum f. rubescens
Chenopodium hircinum f. viridescens
Chenopodium hircinum var. quinoa
Chenopodium nuttalliae
Chenopodium purpurascens var. punctulatum
Chenopodium quinoa f. purpureum
Chenopodium quinoa subsp. milleanum
Chenopodium quinoa var. laciniatum
Chenopodium quinoa var. lutescens
Chenopodium quinoa var. melanospermum
Chenopodium quinoa var. orbicans
Chenopodium quinoa var. quinoa
Chenopodium quinoa var. rubescens
Chenopodium quinoa var. viridescens
Quinoa
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
GDD1,800
pH6
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Quinoa requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth and should be planted in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. It thrives in moderate temperatures and prefers a relatively dry environment. Water the plant sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.Harvest
Quinoa is typically ready to harvest about 90 to 150 days after planting, with the average being around 120 days. Harvesting should be done when the leaves have fallen and the seeds are hard and dry. Cut the seed heads off the plant and allow them to dry further if necessary. Thresh the seeds to remove them from the seed heads, and winnow to separate the seeds from the chaff. Ensure the seeds are completely dry before storage to prevent mold and spoilage.Soil
Quinoa prefers well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but performs best in nutrient-rich soil. Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can harm the plant.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize the plant moderately during the growing season to support healthy growth and seed production. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of seed yield.Repotting
Quinoa is typically grown outdoors and does not require repotting. However, if started indoors, transplant seedlings to the garden once they are strong enough and the risk of frost has passed. Handle the seedlings carefully to avoid damaging the roots.Propagation
Quinoa is propagated by seeds. Sow the seeds directly in the garden after the last frost date. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and space them 10-12 inches apart. Thin the seedlings to the desired spacing once they have grown a few inches tall.Pruning
Pruning is not generally required for quinoa. However, you can remove any damaged or diseased leaves to maintain plant health. Ensure good air circulation around the plants to prevent fungal diseases.Toxicity
Quinoa is not toxic to pets or humans. However, the seeds contain saponins, which can be bitter and mildly toxic if consumed in large quantities. It is recommended to rinse the seeds thoroughly before cooking to remove the saponins.Additional
Quinoa is a highly nutritious crop, rich in protein, fiber, and essential amino acids. It is gluten-free and has become popular as a health food. The plant is also known for its resilience and ability to grow in challenging conditions, making it an important crop for food security in various regions.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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