How Do You Grow Mashua?
Updated on
November 22, 2023
Growing Mashua
You can grow mashua in your garden if you take care of it. As a member of the pea family, it has a similar growing pattern as any other pea or bean. These peas grow best when grown in well-drained soil that gets plenty of sunlight. Whether you are new to growing crops or want to try something new, here are some tips on how to grow mashua.
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Mashua Growing Cheatsheet
🌱 Mashua Basics
🌿Tuberous Andean root vegetable
🌱Requires acidic soil and moderate temperatures (10-25°C)
🌞 Sunlight & Soil
☀️Plant in full sun for at least 6 hours daily
🌱Well-draining soil with pH 5-6
💧 Watering & Fertilizing
💦Water consistently to keep soil moist, but not waterlogged
🌿Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with organic compost or balanced NPK fertilizer
🌿 Planting & Propagation
🏺Plant tubers 5-10cm deep, 30-50cm apart
🏞️Harvest and replant small tubers annually
🌱 Pest & Disease Control
🐌Protect from slugs and snails
🌿Monitor for fungal diseases and address promptly
🌽 Companion Planting
🌱Grow with corn, potatoes, or beans to maximize space
🌿Avoid planting near tomatoes or peppers
🌡️ Harvest & Storage
⏳ Harvest after foliage dies back (90-120 days)
🌰 Store tubers in cool, dark place; good for months!
💪 Nutritional Benefits
🥕 High in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C
🌱Boosts immune system and supports digestion
🌿 Sustainable & Self-Sufficient
🌍 Non-invasive, easy to grow perennial crop
🏡 Cultivate for food security and resilience
Grow Mashua In Pots
Mashua are best grown indoors in pots. They produce seeds that are edible during winter, but generally, peas are better for warmer regions. So if you live in a tropical or sub-tropical region, you can grow mashua as a summer crop. you can use any type of container to grow mashua.
You can use a basket to grow them in pots, or even a bamboo or paper container. The best thing about growing mashua in pots is that they do not need a lot of space to grow. however, they do require light, humidity, and a soil medium.
Grow Mashua In The Ground
Mashua can also be grown in the ground. However, since it is a tropical pea, it can only be grown in warm regions. A good garden season for mashua is from October to February, which is generally during the monsoon season. So you can grow mashua during the summer but during the rainy season.
The key to growing mashua in the ground is that you should have good soil. Use a soil medium that is well-drained and has a good amount of organic matter. Water the soil well and then till it and add some organic matter. The ideal planting distance for mashua is 1.5-2.5 feet apart.
Grow Mashua In A Container
You can also grow mashua in a container. A pot with good drainage and a well-balanced amount of soil is the best pot to use to grow mashua. You can even sow seeds in pots that you can then transplant into the garden after they grow. however, If you want to grow mashua as a crop for your kitchen, then you can sow the seed directly in the soil.
The process of growing mashua in a pot is the same as any other peas. You need to provide the right environment for them to grow. You can either grow mashua in a pot or a container. You can sow the seeds directly in the soil or in pots. The container should have a good drainage system, and sufficient sunlight. The soil should be well-balanced and have good organic matter.
When To Harvest Mashua?
Harvest mashua when the pods are green and full-sized. Generally, you can harvest mashua once every 3 days. So if you harvest mashua every day, then you can expect the harvest in about one week. Harvest them when the pods are full-sized and have a white bloom.
To harvest mashua, just snap the stalk between your fingers and the pod will break open. You can also use a sickle for harvesting. Then store the harvested mashua in an airtight container and consume them as required. They can be consumed as fresh pods or as a pod-pod snack.
Storage And How To Eat Mashua?
Mashua can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You can also store them in an airtight container and make sure the container absorbs the moisture from the mashua.
Generally, you can consume mashua up to two weeks after harvesting them. But make sure you consume them before they expire. If you want to get the most out of the mashua crop, you can make a pod-pod snack. This is a popular way of consuming mashua. You can coat the mashua pods with ghee, sugar, or salt for flavoring.
Benefits Of Growing Mashua Plant
Growing mashua plants is a great way to earn money from the garden. It is a summer crop, which means that you can harvest it anytime during the monsoon season. Growing mashua plants requires little effort and can be done by almost anyone. It is a great crop for growing in small gardens or patches of land where space is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should I plant Mashua?
Plant Mashua in early spring after the danger of frost has passed.
2. What type of soil does Mashua prefer?
Mashua thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
3. How much sunlight does Mashua need?
Mashua requires full sun to partial shade, ideally 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
4. How often should I water Mashua?
Water Mashua regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
5. What is the preferred spacing for Mashua plants?
Space Mashua plants 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart.
6. Does Mashua require any special care?
Mashua benefits from regular fertilization and mulching to retain moisture.
7. When is the best time to harvest Mashua?
Harvest Mashua tubers in late fall or early winter when the foliage has died back.
8. Can Mashua be grown in containers?
Yes, Mashua can be successfully grown in containers, ensuring proper drainage.
Growing mashua is a great way to earn money from the garden. It is a summer crop, which means that you can harvest it anytime during the monsoon season. You can grow mashua in pots or in the ground and harvest them when the pods are full-sized and have a white bloom. You can store the harvest in an airtight container and consume them as required.
You can grow mashua in a pot or a container, and harvest it when the pods are full-sized and have a white bloom. Mashua has a long shelf life and can be eaten fresh or as a pod-pod snack. Growing mashua is an easy way to earn some money from the garden, and is a great summer crop for growing in small spaces.
