Atriplex

The genus Quinoa (Atriplex) contains more than 200 species of annual and perennial herbaceous, semi-shrubby and shrubby plants. Their leaves and stems are often covered with a powdery coating. Salt quinoa (Atriplex halimus) is a perennial shrub species used in hedges in the Maritime regions. It is very decorative thanks to its silver-gray foliage, which glitters like porcelain. It reaches a height of 2-2. 5 m. Garden quinoa (A. hortensis) is an annual herbaceous species with edible leaves. This plant is up to 2 m tall and is characterized by green foliage. Some varieties may also have reddish leaves, such as garden red quinoa (A. hortensis var. rubra). The Red Feather variety has small reddish ovate-rounded fruits, while the Orach Red variety has purple undersides. Lentil-shaped quinoa (A. lentiformis) is a perennial erect dioecious (either only female or only male flowers are formed on one plant) species with a height of 1-3 m, usually a spreading shrub. The leaves are silvery, oblong to egg-shaped.

The genus Quinoa (Atriplex) contains more than 200 species of annual and perennial herbaceous, semi-shrubby and shrubby plants. Their leaves and stems are often covered with a powdery coating.

Salt quinoa (Atriplex halimus) is a perennial shrub species used in hedges in the Maritime regions. It is very decorative thanks to its silver-gray foliage, which glitters like porcelain. It reaches a height of 2-2. 5 m. Garden quinoa (A. hortensis) is an annual herbaceous species with edible leaves. This plant is up to 2 m tall and is characterized by green foliage. Some varieties may also have reddish leaves, such as garden red quinoa (A. hortensis var. rubra).

The Red Feather variety has small reddish ovate-rounded fruits, while the Orach Red variety has purple undersides.

Lentil-shaped quinoa (A. lentiformis) is a perennial erect dioecious (either only female or only male flowers are formed on one plant) species with a height of 1-3 m, usually a spreading shrub. The leaves are silvery, oblong to egg-shaped.

Cultivation

Quinoa is grown in gardens in single and group plantings, as well as in hedges. It grows best in areas with a mild climate. In a moderately cold climate, the aboveground part is damaged and dies in winter, but it is enough to cut the plants at the root in late winter or early spring to resume vegetation. Plant on a permanent planting site in autumn or spring (in colder areas), in very loose ground. Salt quinoa can also grow in saline soil. For top dressing at the beginning of the growing season, 30 g/m2 is enough complex fertilizer, but for edible species, especially for garden quinoa, it is recommended to top up with organic fertilizers (manure) at the rate of 4-5 kg/m2. Plants in hedges are planted at a distance of 40 cm from each other.

Quinoa is grown in gardens in single and group plantings, as well as in hedges. It grows best in areas with a mild climate. In a moderately cold climate, the aboveground part is damaged and dies in winter, but it is enough to cut the plants at the root in late winter or early spring to resume vegetation. Plant on a permanent planting site in autumn or spring (in colder areas), in very loose ground. Salt quinoa can also grow in saline soil. For top dressing at the beginning of the growing season, 30 g/m2 is enough complex fertilizer, but for edible species, especially for garden quinoa, it is recommended to top up with organic fertilizers (manure) at the rate of 4-5 kg/m2. Plants in hedges are planted at a distance of 40 cm from each other.

Location

It needs a place in the open sun.

Temperature

This plant is resistant to high air temperature.

Watering

Water regularly in spring and summer, especially when there is little precipitation.

Care

Remove dried and severely damaged shoots.

Reproduction

Propagate by cuttings from shoots, which are cut in late spring and planted in light sandy loam soil or in clean sand, which are kept moist until roots are formed. Then the seedlings are planted in the ground at a permanent planting site. You can also use sprouts with formed roots that are separated from the parent plant. Sowing seeds is rarely used.

Diseases

Most often, plants of the genus Quinoa are damaged by cold, especially the aboveground part. Excess water or heavy soil causes the root system to rot. This can be prevented by following the rules of cultivation.

Acquisition

Plants of the genus Quinoa can usually be found in nurseries. Choose well-formed, healthy specimens for planting.