Quinoa is an amazing crop to grow in your own garden. It’s packed with protein, and it grows well in a variety of climates. It’s also easy to grow from seed, which means that you can have fresh quinoa on your table at a low cost!
Here are some tips that will help you get started when growing quinoa from seed:
Start With Fresh Seeds
You can use seeds that are up to a year old, but it’s best to start with very fresh ones. To help the seeds germinate, soak them overnight in slightly salted water. This can also be done by soaking the seeds in a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide. If you have older seeds that have been sitting around longer than a year, soak them in this solution for 24 hours before planting them.
Consider Your Local and Seasonal Climate
To grow quinoa from seed, you’ll have the most success in a climate with low humidity and warm temperatures. The seeds can be grown in a variety of climates, but they do best in warm, dry climates that have low humidity.
If the weather conditions are too humid or moist, the plant may develop mildew on its leaves and stems or rot. In a humid or wet environment, you may want to water your quinoa plants less often in order to counteract this.
Soak Seeds Overnight in Salted Water
To prepare quinoa for planting, you must soak the seeds overnight in slightly salted water. This will help them germinate faster, as well as remove any dust or debris that’s on them. It also helps remove phytic acid, which inhibits the absorption of nutrients, and enzyme inhibitors that can make the seeds hard to digest.
You can use any kind of salt you have on hand—sea salt, table salt—but avoid iodized salt because it can inhibit germination. Pickling or kosher salts are better options. Use about a tablespoon of salt with enough water to soak all of the quinoa seeds.
Drain and Plant the Seeds
Once you’ve soaked the seeds, they’re ready to be planted. Drain the seeds by pouring them through a strainer in order to remove excess water.
Plant them in rows that are about 6 inches apart, with seeds spaced an inch or so apart and pointed upwards. If your soil is dry and hard, use a trowel or other tool to make an indentation for each seed before planting it.
Cover the seeds with 1/4 inch of soil. When planting quinoa, it’s okay if some of the seeds aren’t covered by soil, but make sure there’s plenty of room around each one so that they don’t get crowded out by neighboring plants or weeds as they grow.
Plan Accordingly for the Size of Quinoa Plants
Quinoa plants can grow up to 3 feet tall, so it’s important to make sure that seeds are spaced accordingly. These fast-growing seeds will sprout into seedlings in just a few days, and once they do, you’ll need to space them out so that each plant has enough room for its roots and leaves.
Quinoa is generally considered a cool-weather crop. Most varieties are frost tolerant down into the low 40s Fahrenheit but will suffer significant damage if temperatures drop below freezing (32 F).
If you live in a climate where winter temps regularly fall below this point, plan accordingly by starting quinoa indoors early (April or later) so that it will be mature when cooler weather arrives.
Ensure that Your Plants Have Optimal Sun and Soil Conditions
Quinoa plants prefer full sun and soil that drains quickly. While it is possible to grow quinoa in shade, the plant will not grow as tall and will produce fewer seeds. If you want your quinoa plant to be tall, then make sure you give it plenty of space and lots of sunlight.
The type of soil you choose for growing quinoa also affects how much water your quinoa plant needs. Quinoa plants will need loose, well-drained soil that drains easily so water can drain away from the roots. The ideal kind of soil is sandy loam with a pH level between 6 and 7 (a neutral pH).
Keep the Soil Well-Watered
Keep the soil moist until the roots are established, which should take about ten days.
If you see any wilting or yellowing of leaves at all during this period, add more water right away.
It’s important not to let the soil dry out completely. Quinoa requires a lot of water when it’s young and needs to be watered regularly as it reaches maturity.
Fertilize Quinoa Plants When Necessary
When you’re growing quinoa, it’s best to fertilize your plants occasionally with a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and potassium. It’s also important to keep your soil well drained while you’re growing quinoa. If your soil is too wet, it can make the crop susceptible to root rot.
Harvest Your Quinoa Plants
Harvest your quinoa when all the leaves have fallen from the plant, and when most of the seeds are still green. If you wait too long and allow them to turn brown, you will lose some of your yield because they won’t sprout as easily.
Growing quinoa takes time and patience, but it’s a rewarding task. Quinoa seeds do best when planted in the spring or summer, and they will be ready to harvest by Fall. If you grow quinoa in your garden, you’ll need space for at least two months of growth before harvesting any of your crop.
How to Grow Quinoa from Seed
Growing quinoa is incredibly simple. Quinoa can be grown from seed in a variety of climates, and the seeds themselves are easy to find and plant. Like most plants, it takes some time for them to germinate and reach maturity before you can harvest them for eating or cooking with. With time, patience, and care, you’ll be on your way to thriving quinoa plants that can offer you a nutritious grain to serve at any meal.
As you harvest quinoa and other plants from your garden, download the Lil’ Broc app in order to track and monitor the shelf life of your produce.