Oca in Zone 9a & 9b
Oxalis tuberosa
When to plant oca in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b 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 | Feb 15–Feb 22 |
| Estimated harvest | Sep 13–Sep 20 (~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 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 5. 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 9b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Oca in USDA zone 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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