Maca Lepidium meyenii
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a biennial vegetable in the Brassicaceae family, native to Puna grasslands of Junín and Pasco, central Peru (above 3,800 m). It grows 10–20 cm (4–8 in) tall and 15–30 cm (6–12 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 15 cm (6 in) apart.
Plan Maca in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Maca at a glance
| Type | Biennial vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 cm (4–8 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Spacing | 15 cm (6 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 22 °C (72 °F) |
| Flowering | about 57–71 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 240 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: root (hypocotyl) |
| Native to | Puna grasslands of Junín and Pasco, central Peru (above 3,800 m) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇪 Peru |
Is Maca toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; the dried roots are cooked or ground and widely sold as a food.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Maca
Good neighbours
- good With Rhubarb: Traditional lore says rhubarb planted near brassicas helps against clubroot and pests; the evidence is weak and not confirmed by trials. Evidence D
- good With Nasturtium: Nasturtiums act as a trap crop for cabbage white butterflies and blackfly, drawing some pressure away from brassicas. Evidence C
Questions about Maca
- How far apart should I plant Maca?
- About 15 cm (6 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–30 cm (6–12 in).
- Does Maca need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Maca need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Maca?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8. As a biennial it is usually planted out after the last frost and flowers in its second year.
- When does Maca flower?
- About 57–71 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Maca poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; the dried roots are cooked or ground and widely sold as a food.
- What grows well with Maca?
- Traditional lore says rhubarb planted near brassicas helps against clubroot and pests; the evidence is weak and not confirmed by trials. Nasturtiums act as a trap crop for cabbage white butterflies and blackfly, drawing some pressure away from brassicas.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Lost Crops of the Incas (1989), US National Research Council, National Academies Press
- Andean roots and tubers, International Potato Center (CIP)
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- A flat rosette over a radish-like swollen hypocotyl (cream, purple or black), harvested after 8–9 months; it rarely forms roots well below about 3,500 m.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Broccoli Brassica oleracea var. italica
- Cauliflower Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
- Cabbage Brassica oleracea var. capitata
- Kale Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
- Radish Raphanus sativus
- Bok choy Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
- Brussels sprout Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
- Kohlrabi Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes