Plant in spring, just after the last frost, by sowing seeds barely covered with soil in uniform rows. Keep soil moist until the seedlings sprout. Weed by hand until the plants are 4 inches (10 cm) tall, gradually thinning plants to 18 inches (46 cm) apart. As the plants grow, they will shade out most summer weeds.

How long does it take for quinoa to grow?

The plants of most varieties of quinoa grow four to six feet tall, producing seeds in shades of light tan, red, or black. The plants need a long season to grow and mature with most varieties ready to harvest 90 to 120 days after seeding. Quinoa is related to amaranth, also grown for its edible seeds.

What season does quinoa grow in?

Quinoa is a warm season crop that requires full sun. Best germination occurs when soil temperatures range from 65 to 75°F (18-24°C). For southern Canada and the northern U.S., this usually means a late May or early June planting.