Growing Quinoa
Yes, you can do this! I used to be so intimidated by growing any kind of grain. Technically, quinoa isn’t a grain - it’s actually the seeds of the plant you are harvesting and eating, but since it is used like a grain, I stayed away. Such a shame!
Quinoa is not only easy to grow, it’s beautiful. Let’s get started.
You can plant quinoa in seed trays or directly into the ground. Scatter the seeds, 3-4 to a cell if you are using a tray. If you are sowing seeds directly in the ground, plant 3-4 seeds together every 10 to 12 inches. Many people plant them in rows, but I love the way quinoa looks in the garden so I plant it like I plant flowers, intermixed here and there at the back of the garden where its height (quinoa can get 3-4 feet tall!) won’t create too much shade for other plants.
Cover the seeds with a ¼ layer of peat moss and water well. As with all seeds, pay close attention to the moisture of the soil until they sprout. Seeds need to be consistently wet to break down the seed coat and allow the little sprout to emerge. Quinoa will take 4-5 days to sprout, at which point you can remove a couple of the seedlings, leaving just one (or maybe two as an insurance policy).
Important tip! Quinoa seedlings look just like a common weed called lamb’s quarter.
When I tell you quinoa looks just like lambs quarter, I mean it looks just like lambs quarter. The first three times I planted quinoa, I ripped it all up thinking it was a common weed. Finally, I did my homework and realized my mistake. I have to admit, it is still hard for me to look at quinoa seedlings shooting up and looking just like a weed I pull everywhere else in my garden - I have to restrain myself!
Keep in mind that quinoa doesn't need as much water as the rest of your garden once it is established.
It actually benefits from dryer soil making it perfect for those areas of your yard where the hose doesn't reach!
Your quinoa will grow steadily and after about 3 months, it will produce beautiful bursts of tiny, colorful flowers that almost resemble feathers. These flowers contain thousands of tiny seeds that you’ll harvest as edible quinoa in the fall. Look for my post on how to harvest, store and cook quinoa in September.
