1 named cultivar
The Story
Plant Bio
Chenopodium quinoa is an annual crop plant from the Andes, growing two to two and a half feet high on upright stems. The broad goosefoot-shaped leaves are often flushed red or purple, and dense terminal panicles of small greenish flowers give way to the seed heads, which colour strongly as they ripen. The seed is the crop.
It sets seed only where summers stay relatively cool and dry, and in hot, humid regions the plant grows well but produces little or nothing, which is the usual disappointment. The ripe seed carries a bitter saponin coating that has to be rinsed thoroughly before cooking, whatever the packet says about pre-washing.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Annual
Height
27 inches
Width
15 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Low to medium
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
South America
Toxicity
Edible; seed must be rinsed to remove bitter saponins
Planting
How to Grow
- Sow direct in spring once the soil has warmed.
- Choose full sun and dry to medium, well-drained soil.
- Thin seedlings to about a foot apart.
- Keep weeds down while plants are small.
- Harvest seed heads when the seed rubs free easily.
- Rinse the seed thoroughly to remove the bitter coating.
Pro Tip
Cool, dry summers are the whole requirement for a crop; in humid heat the plant grows happily and sets almost no seed.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Sow direct in full sun ☀️
- Thin seedlings to a foot apart 🌱
- Harvest when seed rubs free easily 🌾
- Rinse the seed well before cooking 💧
Don't
- Expect a crop in a hot, humid summer ❌
- Sow into cold, wet soil ❌
- Cook the seed without rinsing off the saponins ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Sow |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Quinoa questions
What zones can Quinoa grow in?
Quinoa is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Quinoa deer resistant?
Yes — Quinoa is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Quinoa bloom?
Quinoa typically blooms in late summer; flowers not showy through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Quinoa need full sun?
Quinoa does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Quinoa drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Quinoa handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Quinoa with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.