The Quinoa Thread

[wifezilla]

This is my first time trying to grow quinoa so I will post information I find on growing it and my results here.

First thing I learned it is LIKES COOL WEATHER. I thought it was a summer crop.

"Quinoa grows best where maximum temperatures do not exceed 90F (32C) and nighttime temperatures are cool. For most southern Canadian and northern U.S. sites, the best time to plant quinoa is late April to late May. When soil temperatures are around 60F (15C) seedlings emerge within three to four days. However, when quinoa seeds are planted in soil with night-time temperatures much above that, quinoa, like spinach, may not germinate. In this instance, it's best to refrigerate seeds before planting."
http://www.saltspringseeds.com/scoop/powerfood.htm

This means I need to get my quinoa bed ready NOW. Looks like I will plant quinoa the same time I plant peas.

 

[ohiogoatgirl]

interesting. i thought it had to be planted later, like with corn. hm... i better get my quinoa area ready too then!

 

[AmyRey]

What exactly do you do with it?

(Sorry, I've lived a sheltered life.) lol

 

[wifezilla]

You can use it in place of rice. The greens are also edible. It has a very high protein content for a plant...18%.

It is good for both people and for animal feed. It is also really pretty.
I got the rainbow assortment.
http://www.google.com/images?q=quin...bBZLCsAPug6TJBA&ved=0CDwQsAQ&biw=1232&bih=651

 

[Collector]

Interesting plant, wonder how much a plant will produce? Guess i will have to keep an eye on this thread and see!

 

[freemotion]

Thanks a lot, WZ, I thought my seed purchasing was finished for this year.....

 

[wifezilla]

Hee hee hee

Yeah I am evil aren't I?

 

[AmyRey]

Oooooooo - that IS pretty!

 

[lesa]

According to those photos I already grow quinoa... I thought I was growing "elephant head" and "love lies bleeding". Hmmm. So, I can eat those plants?? I was nervous to give them to the chickens, but it seems like I should. A word of warning- these things reseed a lot! And in strange places.. I think the birds must replant them. Keep your eyes on the little seedlings, or your world will be taken over.

 

[wifezilla]

You aren't growing quinoa, you are growing AMARANTH! Good news because that is ALSO a seed that can be used like a grain that is high in protein. Not only can you feed them to your birds, you can use the greens like spinach.


I am also trying amaranth this year. I bought love lies bleeding, golden, burgundy and joseph's coat. The joseph's coat is supposed to be better as a green. The golden is better for seeds.