Field guide
How to grow quinoa: planting, care, and harvest guide
Quinoa typically reaches first harvest in 90–120 days. This guide covers when to plant by USDA zone, common pests, harvest cues, and companion plants where relevant.
Open plannerWhen to plant quinoa by USDA zone group
- USDA Zones 1–4 — May to June
- USDA Zones 5–6 — April to June
- USDA Zones 7–8 — March to May
- USDA Zones 9–10 — February to April
- USDA Zones 11–13 — January to March
Companion plants
Good companions: Green Beans, Winter Squash, Sunflowers
Harvest
When to pick
- Seed heads are dry and the grain resists a thumbnail
- Stalks have shifted from green to straw colored
How: Cut seed heads into a dry container, then thresh and winnow in small batches.
Storage: Dry grain thoroughly before airtight storage and inspect regularly for moisture.
Common pests and problems
Birds and grain insects
Signs: Missing seed, pecked heads, or insects in drying grain
Control: Use timely netting, harvest promptly, and dry seed fully before storage.
About this field guide
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