Cañihua Chenopodium pallidicaule
Cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule) is an annual vegetable in the Amaranthaceae family, native to Altiplano of southern Peru and Bolivia (3,800–4,400 m). It grows 20–60 cm (8–24 in) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -8 °C (18 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
Plan Cañihua in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Cañihua at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Mature height | 20–60 cm (8–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -8 °C (18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | about 11–14 weeks after planting, for 2–4 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 150 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: grain, leaves |
| Native to | Altiplano of southern Peru and Bolivia (3,800–4,400 m) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇪 Peru |
Is Cañihua toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; unlike quinoa the small seeds carry almost no bitter saponins.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Cañihua
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Cañihua
- How far apart should I plant Cañihua?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does Cañihua need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Cañihua need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Cañihua?
- It tolerates about -8 °C (18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Cañihua flower?
- About 11–14 weeks after planting, for 2–4 weeks.
- Is Cañihua poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; unlike quinoa the small seeds carry almost no bitter saponins.
- What grows well with Cañihua?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Cañihua. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Lost Crops of the Incas (1989), US National Research Council, National Academies Press
- Andean roots and tubers, International Potato Center (CIP)
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- A frost-hardy, much-branched relative of quinoa grown around Lake Titicaca; the toasted grain is ground into cañihuaco flour.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Spinach Spinacia oleracea
- Swiss chard Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Cicla)
- Beetroot Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
- Amaranth (leaf, callaloo) Amaranthus tricolor
- Quinoa Chenopodium quinoa
- Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha) Amaranthus caudatus
- Epazote Dysphania ambrosioides
- Celosia (cockscomb) Celosia argentea