[T-post Tom]

"Quinoa is generally undemanding and altitude-hardy, so it can be easily cultivated over 4,000 meters. Depending the on the variety, quinoa's optimal growing conditions are in cool climates with temperatures that range from 25°F/-3°C, during the night, to below 95°F/35°C, during the day, with an annual precipitation of 10-15 inches (26–38 cm). Quinoa does best in sandy, well-drained soils with a low nutrient content and a soil condition of 4.8 pH (high acidity) to 8.0 pH (alkaline). Yields are maximized when 150 to 180 lbs N/acre are available. The addition of phosphorus does not improve yield. A typical growing season lasts 90 to 125 days from germination to full maturity. In eastern North America, it is susceptible to a leaf miner that may reduce crop success; this leaf miner also affects the common weed and close relative Chenopodium album, but C. album is much more resistant."