Overview
Chenopodium pallidicaule is a spreading branched annual biennial in the genus Chenopodium, part of the Amaranthaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Chenopodium pallidicaule grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens.
About
Chenopodium pallidicaule, known as cañihua, canihua or cañahua and also kañiwa or kaniwa, is a species of goosefoot, similar in character and uses to the closely related quinoa.
About the genus
Chenopodium is a genus of numerous species of perennial or annual herbaceous flowering plants known as the goosefoot, which occur almost anywhere in the world. It is placed in the family Amaranthaceae in the APG II system; older classification systems, notably the widely used Cronquist system, separate it and its relatives as Chenopodiaceae, but this leaves the rest of the Amaranthaceae polyphyletic. However, among the Amaranthaceae, the genus Chenopodium is the namesake member of the subfamily Chenopodioideae.
Wikipedia contributors, "Chenopodium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Chenopodium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Chenopodium
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Chenopodium pallidicaule size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Herbs - Culinary
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Chenopodium pallidicaule
- Propagation
- Self- and wind pollinated, propagates by seed produced prolifically through the growing season. Seed can remain viable in the soil for many years
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to root nematodes
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to downy mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Chenopodium pallidicaule?
Chenopodium pallidicaule prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Chenopodium pallidicaule need?
Chenopodium pallidicaule is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Chenopodium pallidicaule hardy in the UK?
Chenopodium pallidicaule has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Chenopodium pallidicaule?
Self- and wind pollinated, propagates by seed produced prolifically through the growing season. Seed can remain viable in the soil for many years.
