Quinoa Chenopodium quinoa
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is an annual vegetable in the Amaranthaceae family, native to Andes (Peru and Bolivia, around Lake Titicaca). It grows 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -4 °C (25 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Quinoa in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Quinoa at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Mature height | 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 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 | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -4 °C (25 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–13 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 140 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: seeds (rinsed to remove saponins), young leaves |
| Native to | Andes (Peru and Bolivia, around Lake Titicaca) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇪 Peru |
Is Quinoa toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: seed coat, raw seeds
The seed coat is coated in bitter saponins that irritate the gut unless the seeds are rinsed well.
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 Quinoa
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Quinoa
- How far apart should I plant Quinoa?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Quinoa need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Quinoa need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Quinoa?
- It tolerates about -4 °C (25 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Quinoa flower?
- About 9–13 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks.
- Is Quinoa poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. The seed coat is coated in bitter saponins that irritate the gut unless the seeds are rinsed well.
- What grows well with Quinoa?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Quinoa. 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).
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Pollen is sterilised and seed set fails above about 32 to 35 C at flowering, so it suits cool highlands and cool summers. Many Andean types are short-day sensitive.
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
- Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha) Amaranthus caudatus
- Epazote Dysphania ambrosioides
- Celosia (cockscomb) Celosia argentea
- Globe amaranth Gomphrena globosa