How to grow Quinoa in New Zealand
Quinoa is an Andean grain crop, grown much like amaranth, with tall, colourful seed heads that turn red, orange or gold as they ripen. It is easy to grow in a sunny bed from a spring sowing, and the young leaves can be eaten like spinach. Rinse the harvested seed well before cooking to wash off its bitter saponin coating.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Quinoa in New Zealand
At a glance
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | September to January | |
| Auckland | September to January | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | September to January | |
| Central North Island | November and December | |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | October to January | |
| Nelson & Marlborough | October to January | |
| Canterbury | November and December | |
| Otago & Southland | November and December | |
| Central Otago | December |
Not to be confused with: Amaranth, another seed and leaf crop with similar showy heads, and fat hen, a common weed in the same family.
Where to plant
Quinoa likes full sun and well-drained soil that is not overly rich; too much nitrogen gives tall, floppy plants. It comes from the high Andes and copes with cool nights, but it dislikes long spells of very hot, humid weather while flowering.
- Northland, Auckland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty: sow from September to January once the soil warms.
- Wellington and Nelson: sow from October to January.
- Central North Island, Canterbury, Otago and Southland: sow in November and December; in Central Otago, in December.
How to plant
- Sow seed shallowly, about 5 mm deep, in rows or small clumps where it is to grow.
- Keep the soil moist until the seedlings are up, usually within a week in warm soil.
- Thin to about 30 cm apart. The thinnings can be eaten as greens.
- Weed carefully while the plants are small; young quinoa looks very like the weed fat hen.
Watering and feeding
Water regularly while the plants establish. Once growing strongly, quinoa is fairly drought tolerant and needs water only in dry spells. Feed lightly, if at all.
Pruning and care through the year
- Stake tall plants in windy spots, as the heavy seed heads can topple them.
- Net the seed heads if birds start feeding on them as they ripen.
Harvesting
Harvest in autumn, about four months after sowing, when the leaves have fallen and the seed rubs easily from the heads. Cut the heads and dry them indoors on sheets, then rub or thresh out the seed and winnow away the chaff.
Before cooking, rinse the seed thoroughly in several changes of water, rubbing it until the water no longer foams, to remove the bitter saponin coating.
Varieties
- Rainbow
- Cherry Vanilla
Companion planting
Quinoa is tall and upright, like corn, and fits at the back of a summer bed.
Good companions
- Sweet Corn Another tall summer crop for the back of the bed.
- Beans Fix nitrogen and fit between the rows.
Pests and diseases
Birds and aphids are the main problems; downy mildew appears in humid weather.
Pests to watch for
- Birds Seed stripped from ripening heads.
- Aphids Clusters of small insects on the growing tips and seed heads.
Diseases to watch for
- Downy mildew Yellow patches on leaves with grey growth beneath in humid weather.
Common questions
Can I grow quinoa in New Zealand?
Yes. It grows readily from a spring sowing in a sunny bed, and New Zealand-grown seed is sold for home gardens.
Why does my quinoa taste bitter?
The seed is coated in saponins, which are bitter and soapy. Rinse it in several changes of water, rubbing until the water stops foaming, before cooking.
Can I eat quinoa leaves?
Yes. The young leaves and thinnings are eaten raw or cooked like spinach.
When is quinoa ready to harvest?
In autumn, about four months after sowing, when the leaves fall and the seed rubs easily from the heads. Dry the heads indoors before threshing.
Why are my quinoa plants falling over?
Rich soil and wind make tall, heavy-headed plants topple. Feed lightly and stake plants in exposed spots.
Sources we checked: Kings Seeds: Quinoa.