Growing Quinoa

[Lavenderblue]

hello, not been here for about 6 months because of new job and some other rubbish but I am back and growing again now. I hope everyone is well

I wonder if anyone has grown Quinoa successfully? I have two different varieties to try, a rainbow one and a plain coloured one. A bit of reading suggests that it is a cold climate plant and therefore should be fine in the UK.

Any top tips to share?

thanks.

[zazen999]

Yes, it needs staking. If you erect 6ft canes around the perimeter and tie string right round it at 2 ft intervals, that should keep it upright.

And take a big bag when you harvest as there's loads of it.

[Flummery]

And then throw it away cos it tastes horrible! (Ooooh did I say that out loud? )

[zazen999]

I was going to - it's vile stuff.

Straight to brown bin. OH couldn't wait to chop them down.

[Patchninja]

It's that really vile smell it gives off as you cook it. I really tried to eat the stuff as it' so good for you, but frankly, life's too short. Sorry to put such a downer on your crop. I hope you get a good one and you love the stuff!

[KatherineF]

I;ve got to disagree - its quite nice, and best if you toast the seeds first, then it comes out all fluffy once cooked.
Use it to replace cous cous, it works well

[cazp]

I'd never have thought of growing quinoa and if I had more room to make it viabile I would - have a really nice recipe for quinoa and pistachio salad that springs to mind mmmmm!! Keep posting, would love to hear how you get on.

[bluebex111]

Yes I'd never thought of growing it either, is it easy to grow? Im a bit new to all this. I know its not great tasty stuff to eat on its own but I made a lovely dish with it, put in lots of pomegranate seeds, fresh herbs and i think zest of something citrus and it was very nice. I dont eat wheat or dairy so its great to find another alternative, plus just putting this out there but cous cous is foul too!

[Lavenderblue]

see we quite like it. Its nutty and really rich in protein and all good things like that. Its good in chilli. I am gluten free so it will be really useful to be able to grow my own supply. I will sow direct and give it a bash.

[zazen999]

LB:

I had about 20 plants and got half a tesco bag full of seed - if that helps to calc quantities.

[Patchninja]

cous cous is foul too!

Just as well we don't all love the same things! I love couscous!

[glaw5]

Never thought of growing this either. Does it grow bushy or just straight up? When's the latest it can be planted?
Thanks

[Lavenderblue]

my seed packet (from real seed) says sow in May. It grows really tall and needs staking apparently. I have half cleared a bed in preparation for it and will finish off this weekend. It looks like fat hen - we have a massive fat hen problem on our plot so it will be interesting to see if I can tell it apart!

[chris]

Cool, we eat it quite often too. Let us know how it goes, I may try it next season.

[womble]

my seed packet (from real seed) says sow in May. It grows really tall and needs staking apparently. I have half cleared a bed in preparation for it and will finish off this weekend. It looks like fat hen - we have a massive fat hen problem on our plot so it will be interesting to see if I can tell it apart!

Try growing one in a pot of compost, that way you can see exactly how it is supposed to look.
Or (and I'm not sure if you can do this with Quinoa, having never grown it) try growing them all in pots and then transplant out, you will then be sure what is what.