Oca in Zone 7a & 7b
Oxalis tuberosa
When to plant oca in zone 7b
Zones 7a and 7b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. Oca 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: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 0.5-1.5 ft.

Oca is an Andean tuber crop, a relative of potato with vividly colored roots in reds, yellows, and oranges, and a genuine growing quirk that sets it apart from anything else in this dataset.
How oca fits zone 7's season
Zone 7b's frost-free window runs about 198 days, from April 10 to October 25. Oca needs about 210 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Oca.
Where to buy oca seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing oca" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 7b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

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Growing Oca in USDA zone 7b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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