Chenopodium quinoa RED QUINOA (25 seeds)

Red Quinoa, also known as chisaya mama or kinwa, is an annual plant from the Amaranthaceae family. It is native to South America, primarily Peru and Bolivia. Quinoa averages 80 cm in height, though this can vary depending on the variety and growth conditions. Harvest typically occurs 90 to 120 days after planting. The plant is often harvested when the inflorescences become dry.

Its leaves are oval or slightly heart-shaped, sometimes with wavy edges. They are medium-sized, ranging from pale green to a darker green, and have a soft or slightly hairy texture. They are arranged alternately along the stem.

The flowers are small, discreet, and grouped in dense panicles located at the top of the plant. They are generally pale green to creamy white, sometimes with pinkish or greenish nuances. The flowering period is short but abundant.

Red quinoa seeds are round, hard, red in color, and small, measuring only between 1 and 2 millimeters in diameter. They are rich in nutrients and constitute the edible part of the plant, often called "quinoa grains." Upon maturity, they detach easily and can be harvested for consumption.

- Uses:

Quinoa has been a very important food source for ethnic populations for over 6,000 years. Like beans, potatoes, or corn, it was a staple of pre-Columbian civilizations, but unlike the latter, it did not capture the attention of the Spanish conquerors. It was a sacred variety for the Incas, who called it chisaya mama or the "mother of all grains." It is very rich in saponin.

Quinoa is very versatile in the kitchen. It can be consumed as grain, in salads, or in soups. It is also used to prepare patties and porridges. Outside of cooking, its seeds can be ground to make flour. In agriculture, it is also valued for its drought resistance and its ability to grow in poor soils.

- Germination and Sowing of Seeds:

• The best period to sow red quinoa generally begins in mid-May.
• Sow the seeds in a tray filled with fine potting soil.
• Cover them with a few millimeters of substrate.
• Press down the substrate gently.
• Water delicately using a manual sprayer.
• Germination will begin 2 to 4 weeks after sowing.

- Soil Type:

Red quinoa prefers light, well-drained soil. It thrives in sandy or loamy soils with a pH between 6 and 8. It tolerates poor soils, but fertilization improves growth.

- Sunlight / Exposure:

It requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day to ensure proper grain maturation.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

This Native American plant prefers temperatures between 15 and 25°C. It can tolerate higher temperatures, but intense heat can slow its growth. Unfortunately, it does not withstand freezing temperatures.

- Irrigation / Watering:

Moderate watering is recommended at the time of planting. It likes moist soil without being waterlogged, especially during the growth period.

- Pests / Reproduction:

The main pests of red quinoa are aphids, which can transmit diseases, and caterpillars that can devour the leaves. Slugs can also cause damage.