Mashua Tropaeolum tuberosum
Mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum) is a deciduous perennial vegetable in the Tropaeolaceae family, native to Andes. It grows 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) tall and 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
Plan Mashua in your garden →
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Mashua at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Tropaeolaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 25 °C (77 °F) |
| Flowering | about 17–23 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: tubers (peppery raw, mild cooked), flowers and leaves |
| Native to | Andes |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Is Mashua toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
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 Mashua
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Mashua
- How far apart should I plant Mashua?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Mashua need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Mashua need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Mashua?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Mashua flower?
- About 17–23 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks.
- Is Mashua 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. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Mashua?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Mashua. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Andean roots and tubers, International Potato Center (CIP)
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A climbing nasturtium relative with orange-red flowers late in the year; tubers set as days shorten. Resists many pests.
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
- Nasturtium Tropaeolum majus
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Lettuce Lactuca sativa
- Carrot Daucus carota subsp. sativus
- Cucumber Cucumis sativus