Mashua in Zone 7a & 7b
Tropaeolum tuberosum
Yes, mashua grows in zones 7a and 7b. Plant it outside Apr 10–Apr 17.
When to plant mashua in zone 7b
Zones 7a and 7b 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 10–Apr 17 |
| Estimated harvest | Nov 6–Nov 13 (~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 7b
These go outside within two weeks of mashua in zone 7b, so one planting day can cover them.
- CabbageMar 27–Apr 3
- TomatoApr 24–May 1
- Bush BeansApr 17–Apr 24
- Sweet CornApr 17–Apr 24
- LettuceMar 27–Apr 3
- CucumberApr 17–Apr 24
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 7's season
Zone 7b's frost-free window runs about 198 days, from April 10 to October 25. Mashua needs about 210 days from sowing to first harvest.
Mashua planting windows in every zone
Zone 7b 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 | Not usually | Apr 25–May 2 | Nov 21–Nov 28 |
| 7a & 7b (your zone) | 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 7b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Mashua in USDA zone 7b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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