Chenopodium quinoa
quinoa
An upright, herbaceous annual to 2m tall with toothed, lanceolate to triangular green leaves that may change to shades of red and purple with age. Dense clusters of small greenish flowers are followed by edible seeds to 2mm in diameter
Synonyms
Chenopodium atriplicisChenopodium purpurascens
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Red | Green Purple Red | ||
| Autumn | Red Purple | Green Purple Red | Red Purple | |
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Chenopodium can be annuals or perennials, with often mealy stems and foliage, simple or lobed leaves and minute flowers in termianl or axillary clusters, in a few species followed by colourful fruits
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.