Mashua in Zone 6a & 6b
Tropaeolum tuberosum
Yes, mashua grows in zones 6a and 6b. Plant it outside Apr 25–May 2.
When to plant mashua in zone 6b
Zones 6a and 6b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. It doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 25–May 2 |
| Estimated harvest | Nov 21–Nov 28 (~210 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: about 2 square feet per plant (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 2-8 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 6b
These go outside within two weeks of mashua in zone 6b, so one planting day can cover them.
- CabbageApr 11–Apr 18
- TomatoMay 9–May 16
- Bush BeansMay 2–May 9
- Sweet CornMay 2–May 9
- LettuceApr 11–Apr 18
- CucumberMay 2–May 9
Mashua is a vigorous climbing Andean tuber crop and, botanically, a relative of the ornamental nasturtium, though it's grown for its tubers rather than its flowers.
How mashua fits zone 6's season
Zone 6b's frost-free window runs about 173 days, from April 25 to October 15. Mashua needs about 210 days from sowing to first harvest.
Mashua planting windows in every zone
Zone 6b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6a & 6b (your zone) | Not usually | Apr 25–May 2 | Nov 21–Nov 28 |
| 7a & 7b | Not usually | Apr 10–Apr 17 | Nov 6–Nov 13 |
| 8a & 8b | Not usually | Mar 25–Apr 1 | Oct 21–Oct 28 |
| 9a & 9b | Not usually | Feb 15–Feb 22 | Sep 13–Sep 20 |
Harvest dates are about 210 days after the sow or plant-out date.
Good companions
No well-established companions for mashua.
Where to buy mashua seeds
None of the seed suppliers we list carries mashua seeds right now. A local garden center or a specialty seed house is the place to look.
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing mashua" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 6b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Mashua in USDA zone 6b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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