How to Grow Mashua
Tropaeolum tuberosum
Mashua is a vigorous climbing Andean tuber crop with showy orange-red flowers. Start tubers indoors in April, plant out after last frost against a support such as a trellis or fence. The ornamental foliage and flowers grow through summer. Tubers only form in autumn as days shorten — harvest after first frost kills the top growth, typically November to December. Raw tubers taste peppery; cooking mellows the flavour considerably. Save tubers for replanting each spring.
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 8°C and soil has warmed to at least 12°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Apply a balanced fertiliser at planting. A light potash-rich liquid feed from midsummer encourages tuber development. Avoid high nitrogen which promotes leafy growth and reduces tuber yield.
- Mashua is a vigorous Andean climber producing ornamental orange-red tubular flowers and peppery edible tubers. Being a short-day plant, tubers only bulk up in autumn as days shorten. The top growth is frost-tender but tubers can withstand light ground frost. Grow up a trellis, fence, or through shrubs.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 12°C+
Pet Safety
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- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 45 cm |
| Row spacing | 60 cm |
| Sow depth | 8 cm |
| Mature height | 200 cm |
| Mature spread | 60 cm |
Plant tubers 45 cm apart in rows 60 cm apart. Provide a trellis or support for the climbing stems.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 12°C |
| Base growth temperature | 8°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | short day |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Mashua?
- Plant Mashua 45cm apart with 60cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Mashua?
- Mashua is ready to harvest approximately 164 days after transplanting.
- Is Mashua frost hardy?
- Mashua is classified as Tender.
