{"product_id":"mashua-tuberous-nasturtium","title":"Mashua (Tuberous Nasturtium)","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"959\" data-start=\"414\"\u003eMashua, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1240\" data-start=\"961\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"991\" data-start=\"961\"\u003eWhere Can You Grow Mashua?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"994\" data-start=\"991\"\u003eMashua 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1639\" data-start=\"1242\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1273\" data-start=\"1242\"\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1276\" data-start=\"1273\"\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1952\" data-start=\"1641\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1670\" data-start=\"1641\"\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1673\" data-start=\"1670\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1687\" data-start=\"1673\"\u003eZones 8-9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant whole tubers in spring after last frost. Harvest in late autumn after foliage dies back.\u003cbr data-end=\"1785\" data-start=\"1782\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1799\" data-start=\"1785\"\u003eZones 5-7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start tubers indoors in pots and transplant out once risk of frost has passed.\u003cbr data-end=\"1881\" data-start=\"1878\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1895\" data-start=\"1881\"\u003eZones 3-4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best grown in containers for easy overwintering indoors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2328\" data-start=\"1954\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1988\" data-start=\"1954\"\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Mashua\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1991\" data-start=\"1988\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2004\" data-start=\"1991\"\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant tubers 5–10cm deep in well-drained soil with support for vines.\u003cbr data-end=\"2077\" data-start=\"2074\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2090\" data-start=\"2077\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep soil evenly moist throughout the growing season.\u003cbr data-end=\"2147\" data-start=\"2144\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2162\" data-start=\"2147\"\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dig tubers carefully after foliage has been killed by frost or begins to die back.\u003cbr data-end=\"2248\" data-start=\"2245\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2264\" data-start=\"2248\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide trellising or allow to trail. Mulch to retain moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2612\" data-start=\"2330\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2361\" data-start=\"2330\"\u003eStorage Tips for Future Use\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2364\" data-start=\"2361\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2386\" data-start=\"2364\"\u003eHarvest Carefully:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gently lift tubers to avoid damage.\u003cbr data-end=\"2425\" data-start=\"2422\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2443\" data-start=\"2425\"\u003eClean and Dry:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brush off excess soil and let tubers dry for several days.\u003cbr data-end=\"2505\" data-start=\"2502\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2515\" data-start=\"2505\"\u003eStore:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep in a cool, dark, frost-free place with moderate humidity. Tubers store well for 3–5 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2693\" data-start=\"2614\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2638\" data-start=\"2614\"\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2641\" data-start=\"2638\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"2693\" data-start=\"2641\"\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48811203592434,"sku":"MF-ROOT-018","price":12.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/4106\/0082\/files\/Mashua.webp?v=1772481920","url":"https:\/\/homeandwell.ca\/products\/mashua-tuberous-nasturtium","provider":"Home \u0026 Well ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}