Quinoa is a fast-growing crop, ready to harvest after 4-5 months from planting. This protein rich broad leaf may face competition from weeds especially during the first two to three weeks.
Quinoa thrives in cooler weather and due to its’ deep taproots, it is extremely drought tolerant. As it originates from the Andean mountains, it can tolerate high levels of salt, wind, and frost.
Ideally plant quinoa to loose, sandy soil with a pH level from 6.0 to 8.5. Some growers have found that it suits well to a crop rotation with grasses. Quinoa is prone to several fungal diseases, that is why good drainage is important. Quinoa flowers also attract beneficial insects.
Depending on the variety, optimal growing conditions are in cool climates with temperatures that vary between −4 °C during the night to near 35 °C during the day. Due to its high demand, this superfood has faced supply shortages in the past years, making it also an attractive cash crop
