Red quinoa is derived from the flowering plant Chenopodium quinoa in South America. Uncooked red quinoa seeds are oval, flat, and crunchy. Once cooked, they swell to form small spheres that have a soft but chewy texture. Although known as red quinoa seeds, these seeds can sometimes be more brown or purple in color.

Prefers well drained, fertile soil but will grow in soil that is slightly sandy as well.

Quinoa seeds take approximately 4-5 days to germinate. Once seedlings sprout, thin out the rows to ensure there is only one plant every 10-12 inches. Keep seeds and seedlings consistently moist until well-established. Quinoa plants are usually ready for harvest 90-120 days after planting.