How to Grow Mashua
iNaturalist
Mashua
Tropaeolum tuberosum
vegetableMashua is a high-altitude Andean root crop producing small, colorful tubers with a peppery flavor. The plant grows as a climbing vine with attractive nasturtium-like flowers and edible leaves. It has been cultivated for over 7,000 years by indigenous peoples of the Andes for both nutrition and traditional medicine.
When should you plant Mashua in your zone?
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Example Mashua timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Mashua
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Mashua
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Mashua dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8b-10; grows best in cool, high-altitude conditions (plant in fall/winter in warmer zones)
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Get my Mashua timeline →Growth Stages
Vegetative Growth
3-4 monthsVigorous vine growth with heart-shaped leaves and climbing stems. Plant reaches 6-10 feet in length if supported.
Guide vines onto trellis or support structure. Water regularly and deeply. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly. Remove lower leaves if crowding occurs.
Flowering
2-3 months (flowers continue through season)Beautiful orange, red, or yellow nasturtium-like flowers appear in leaf axils. Flowers are edible and peppery.
Flowering indicates tuber initiation is beginning. Maintain consistent moisture. Do not over-fertilize nitrogen or flowering may diminish.
Tuber Development & Maturation
2-3 monthsSmall tubers form underground in clusters. Leaves may yellow slightly as plant enters senescence. Tubers enlarge and develop characteristic colors (purple, red, yellow, pink, orange).
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer. Maintain moderate moisture; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Provide cool nights (below 65°F) for optimal tuber development.
Harvest Ready
1-2 weeks before diggingFoliage dies back; vines brown and wither. Tubers reach full size (marble to walnut-sized) with firm flesh.
Stop watering 2 weeks before harvest. Carefully excavate around vines to avoid damaging tubers. Harvest after first light frost for best flavor.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Increase humidity; spray leaves with water. Apply miticide or sulfur dust if infestation is heavy.
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and
Hand-pick in evening; use beer traps. Apply copper tape or diatomaceous earth around base.
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly until controlled.
Uses
Boiled, roasted, or fried tubers
CulinaryMashua tubers are cooked like potatoes with a nutty, peppery flavor. They can be boiled, roasted, fried, or added to soups and stews. Both leaves and flowers are edible with a peppery taste similar to nasturtiums. [source]
Traditional Andean medicine
MedicinalUsed in traditional Peruvian and Bolivian medicine as a natural contraceptive and for treating various ailments. Contains bioactive compounds studied for anti-inflammatory and hormonal effects. [source]
Natural food preservation and digestive aid
HouseholdHistorically used in the Andes as a fermented food and to aid digestion. The tubers contain glucosinolates with antimicrobial properties. [source]
Ornamental and cut flowers
CraftThe vibrant flowers and attractive climbing vine make mashua an excellent ornamental plant for trellises, arbors, and garden borders. Flowers are suitable for garnishing plates and floral arrangements. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect support
WildlifeThe abundant flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators throughout the growing season, supporting biodiversity in the garden. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest 7-8 months after planting, typically 6-8 weeks after frost kills foliage. Carefully dig around base of vine to expose tuber clusters without breaking them. Tubers store well in cool (50-55°F), humid conditions for several months. Harvest flowers throughout the growing season by pinching off individual blooms.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Mashua tubers come in stunning colors including purple, red, yellow, orange, and pink, often with contrasting striping or mottling.
- 🌱 The plant has been cultivated by Andean peoples for over 7,000 years and is mentioned in Spanish colonial records as a staple crop alongside potatoes and quinoa.
- 🌱 Mashua is sometimes called 'Andean Tuber' or 'Oca' (though true oca is a different species), and is prized for its ability to grow in high-altitude, cool climates where many other crops fail.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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