Mashua in Zone 9a & 9b
Tropaeolum tuberosum
Yes, mashua grows in zones 9a and 9b. Plant it outside Feb 15–Feb 22.
When to plant mashua in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b 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 | Feb 15–Feb 22 |
| Estimated harvest | Sep 13–Sep 20 (~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 9b
These go outside within two weeks of mashua in zone 9b, so one planting day can cover them.
- CabbageFeb 1–Feb 8
- TomatoMar 1–Mar 8
- Bush BeansFeb 22–Mar 1
- Sweet CornFeb 22–Mar 1
- LettuceFeb 1–Feb 8
- CucumberFeb 22–Mar 1
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 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 5. Mashua needs about 210 days from sowing to first harvest.
Mashua planting windows in every zone
Zone 9b 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 | Not usually | Apr 10–Apr 17 | Nov 6–Nov 13 |
| 8a & 8b | Not usually | Mar 25–Apr 1 | Oct 21–Oct 28 |
| 9a & 9b (your zone) | 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 →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a clear consensus of positive, independent reviews, or ones we bought and use ourselves. Each item on our gear page says which.
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 9b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
Pin this for later
Growing Mashua in USDA zone 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
Save to Pinterest