Quinoa — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Chenopodium quinoa |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 3–7 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 10–23.9 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 90–120 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature height (cm) | 121.9–182.9 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 4–10 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Broadcast or sow seed 1/4 in deep in firm, well-drained soil and thin to 12–18 in when seedlings are 3–4 in tall; quinoa is highly drought-tolerant once established and prefers cool, dry weather through seed fill. The colorful seed heads (red, orange, or cream) are ready to harvest when the seed falls easily from the panicle when rubbed — typically after the first light fall frost has dried the plant. Cut the seed heads into paper bags, dry for 1–2 weeks in a warm airy space, then thresh by rubbing heads between hands and winnow away the chaff outdoors in a breeze. Rinse seed thoroughly before eating to remove bitter saponins from the seed coat.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0