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Mashua

Mashua (Tuberous Nasturtium)

Tropaeolum tuberosum

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About Mashua Root Stock
Mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum), also known as Tuberous Nasturtium, is a rare and fascinating root crop from the Andes. Grown for its spicy, crunchy tubers and vibrant trailing foliage, mashua is a beautiful and productive plant. The long vines produce brilliant orange-red nasturtium-like blooms, while underground, clusters of tubers develop with a radish-like heat that mellows when cooked. Highly ornamental and edible, mashua is a favourite in permaculture gardens for its low maintenance and dual-purpose use.

Where Can You Grow Mashua?
Mashua grows best in Zones 7–9 and thrives in cool, moist climates with rich, well-drained soil. It can be grown in garden beds or large containers and prefers a sunny to lightly shaded location. Protect from frost, especially in spring and fall.

History and Historical Uses
A staple crop of the Andean highlands, mashua has been cultivated for thousands of years in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Known for its resilience at high elevations and poor soils, it was traditionally used both as a food source and for its medicinal properties. In modern gardens, it is appreciated for its visual appeal, edible flowers, and unusual spicy tubers.

Canadian Zone Information
Zones 8-9: Plant whole tubers in spring after last frost. Harvest in late autumn after foliage dies back.
Zones 5-7: Start tubers indoors in pots and transplant out once risk of frost has passed.
Zones 3-4: Best grown in containers for easy overwintering indoors.

How to Grow and Harvest Mashua
Planting: Plant tubers 5–10cm deep in well-drained soil with support for vines.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist throughout the growing season.
Harvesting: Dig tubers carefully after foliage has been killed by frost or begins to die back.
Maintenance: Provide trellising or allow to trail. Mulch to retain moisture.

Storage Tips for Future Use
Harvest Carefully: Gently lift tubers to avoid damage.
Clean and Dry: Brush off excess soil and let tubers dry for several days.
Store: Keep in a cool, dark, frost-free place with moderate humidity. Tubers store well for 3–5 months.

Certified Organic By
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)

$12.00 CAD
Out of Stock

≈ 3-9 items | 30g (1.06oz)

Growing Information
Common Name Mashua (Tuberous Nasturtium)
Scientific Name Tropaeolum tuberosum
Seed Count 3-9
Metric Weight 30 g
Imperial Weight 1.06 oz
Height 0.3–0.6m (1–2ft) trailing/climbing
Spread 1.2–2m (4–6.5ft)
Canadian Zone Information 5-9
Growing Difficulty Easy
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Customer Reviews

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K
Kelly
Love

Hello, I have been looking for this for some time now, is there a waiting list for next year?

Have a Question?

We (a small farm) ship every week, on Wednesday!

Pick up available from our farm stand 542 Wootton Road, Metchosin

100% Canadian Grown in Metchosin, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.

Processed-By-Hand

Certified Organic

Open Pollinated

Non-GMO

Frequently asked questions

Do you do sell at the farm?

No.

We do have a farmstand that is open during the season: March/April through to June/July

Will my order have tracking?

Maybe.

We ship all seed packages using Letter Mail through Canada Post.

However, if you order any Sprays, Bouquets, Root Stock, or Tubers; we automatically add protected shipping in a prepaid Canada Post box. These have a tracking number.

How much does shipping cost?

Save $20 when you spend $200

All our Shipping has a handling fee.

Shipping starts at $6 and increases incrementally for seed packages only.

If you purchase Sprays, Bouquets, Root Stock, or Tubers; Shipping will increase by $18 and go up incrementally.

We charge shipping rates that are fair to our customers and allow us to operate as a small farm.

What is your Customer Satisfaction policy?

We guarantee germination up to 75% on all our seeds in proper conditions.

That means we will replace them.

We make no guarantees on our Forager Pet products, other than that they are safe for the animals listed. But do reach out if your pet isn't happy.

Mistakes happen and can be fixed. So missing items, wrong items, or even damaged items can be replaced.

We will always work with you to find an appropriate solution.

Customer Satisfaction Policy

How long does shipping take?

Letter Mail can take up to 5-6 weeks.

Parcels can take up to 1-2 weeks.

We ship Wednesdays which can also lead to delays.

Are all your products 100% Canadian?

Yes. All our products are grown in Metchosin BC or foraged from surrounding forests.

What is your refund policy?

We are a resolution first small business. That means we would love for you to be happy with our products.

However, if you want to return or refund, this can be done.

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