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Growing your own quinoa at home is a rewarding and straightforward process that uses basic gardening supplies you might already have. Quinoa is an Annual plant, which means it must be replanted every year. With that in mind, getting this process down will benefit you for years to come! While it requires some patience, this guide will show you how to cultivate your own quinoa, from planting to harvest. Here’s a quick roadmap of the page:
- A guide to the supplies needed and my best tips for growing quinoa.
- A short summary of the process
- A detailed tutorial of the process with pictures galore
So, Can You Grow Your Own Quinoa?
Absolutely! Growing quinoa at home is not only possible but also quite simple. With the right conditions and care, you can harvest your own nutritious quinoa seeds. Keep reading to learn my method for growing quinoa.
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Quinoa seeds – You can purchase these from a garden center or online.
- Garden bed or large pots – Ensure they have good drainage.
- Compost or organic fertilizer – To enrich the soil.
- Watering can or garden hose – For regular watering.
- Mulch – To retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Garden tools – Such as a trowel, hoe, and rake.
How to Grow Quinoa
Total Time: 90-120 days
- Prepare the Soil
- Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil. Quinoa prefers sandy loam but can tolerate various soil types.
- Mix in compost or organic fertilizer to enrich the soil.
- Plant the Seeds
- Sow quinoa seeds directly into the soil after the last frost. Plant them about 1/4 inch deep and 10-12 inches apart.
- Water the seeds gently but thoroughly.
- Care for Your Plants
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
- Apply mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Harvest
- Quinoa is ready to harvest when the leaves have fallen, and the seeds are hard and dry. This usually takes about 90-120 days.
- Cut the seed heads and let them dry further in a well-ventilated area.
- Thresh and Clean
- Once fully dry, rub the seed heads to release the seeds. Use a fan or a sieve to separate the seeds from the chaff.
Detailed Tutorial: How to Grow Quinoa
Step 1: Prepare the Soil
Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil. Quinoa prefers sandy loam but can tolerate various soil types. Mix in compost or organic fertilizer to enrich the soil. This will provide the necessary nutrients for your quinoa plants to thrive.
For indoor growing, select large containers with good drainage. Fill them with a mix of potting soil and compost. Ensure the containers are placed in a location that receives plenty of sunlight or set up grow lights to provide adequate light.
A Short Word On Temperature:
If you are hoping to grow your quinoa at home, temperature is important. If it is indoors, try to keep the temp above 70 degrees. They don’t need too much warmth, but don’t freeze ’em. Outdoors, they are good in milder, dryer climates.
Step 2: Plant the Seeds
Sow quinoa seeds directly into the soil after the last frost. Plant them about 1/4 inch deep and 10-12 inches apart. Water the seeds gently but thoroughly. Quinoa seeds need consistent moisture to germinate, so keep the soil evenly moist until the seedlings emerge.
For indoor growing, plant the seeds in the prepared containers. Ensure the containers are placed under grow lights if natural sunlight is insufficient. Maintain a consistent temperature of around 60-70°F for optimal growth.
Step 3: Care for Your Plants
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Apply mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Quinoa plants are relatively drought-tolerant once established but will produce better yields with regular watering.
For indoor plants, ensure they receive at least 6-8 hours of light daily. Adjust the grow lights as the plants grow to maintain the right distance between the lights and the plants. Regularly check the soil moisture and water as needed.
To help them grow up, it is common to place sticks in the dirt. Please Please Please don’t just try to straighten the plant. LET THE CURVE FOLLOW THE STICK! As the plant begins to droop, add the next stick, and allow the plant to curve around the stick. This will make for much healthier growth and hopefully a much better yield.
Step 4: Harvest
Quinoa is ready to harvest when the leaves have fallen, and the seeds are hard and dry. This usually takes about 90-120 days. Cut the seed heads and let them dry further in a well-ventilated area. Proper drying is crucial to prevent mold and ensure long-term storage. I attached a great video after Step 5!
For indoor plants, the harvesting process is the same. Ensure the drying area is well-ventilated to avoid any moisture buildup.
Step 5: Thresh and Clean
Once fully dry, rub the seed heads to release the seeds. Use a fan or a sieve to separate the seeds from the chaff. This process can be a bit messy, so it’s best done outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. I attached a great video below! If you skip to about 9 and a half minutes into the video she gets straight to the harvesting!
***One common complaint I hear is that the Quinoa is bitter. This is because Quinoa grows with natural insecticides. They will wash off, and so will a good portion of that bitter taste!
Conclusion
Growing your own quinoa is a fulfilling and straightforward project that can yield a nutritious and versatile grain. Whether you choose to cultivate it in your garden or indoors, the process is quite manageable with the right care and attention.
Quinoa is not only a healthy addition to your diet but also a very different but beautiful plant that can enhance your home garden. From preparing the soil to harvesting and threshing, each step brings you closer to enjoying homegrown quinoa.
What will you do with your homegrown quinoa? I’d love to hear your questions, comments, or stories about how this technique worked for you! Happy gardening! 🌱
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