Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
2 sources cited · Verified
The short answer
- Plant
- Early March to early May
- Site
- 6+ hours of sun, soil pH 6–7.5
In the UK, macas go in the ground early March to early May.
Macas (Lepidium meyenii) — biennial (grown as an annual for its root).
Timing is the decision that matters most in the UK: there are 4 separate regional sowing windows, ranging from early March in Southern England to early March in Scotland.
Core growing advice on this page is checked against named horticultural and university-extension sources — see References.
Regional Planting Calendar
| Region | Sow |
|---|---|
| Southern England | early March to early May |
| Midlands | early March to early May |
| Northern England | early March to early May |
| Scotland | early March to early May |
Southern England - detail & sources
Cultivariable recommends spring sowing for zones colder than 7b, which covers all of the UK; no UK-region-specific dates given, so this window is applied across all four sub-regions rather than inventing a north/south gradient the source does not support.
Midlands - detail & sources
Cultivariable recommends spring sowing for zones colder than 7b, which covers all of the UK; no UK-region-specific dates given, so this window is applied across all four sub-regions rather than inventing a north/south gradient the source does not support.
Northern England - detail & sources
Cultivariable recommends spring sowing for zones colder than 7b, which covers all of the UK; no UK-region-specific dates given, so this window is applied across all four sub-regions rather than inventing a north/south gradient the source does not support.
Scotland - detail & sources
Cultivariable recommends spring sowing for zones colder than 7b, which covers all of the UK; no UK-region-specific dates given, so this window is applied across all four sub-regions rather than inventing a north/south gradient the source does not support.
Quick Facts
| Factor | Value |
|---|---|
| Soil pH | 6 - 7.5 |
| Sunlight | 6-6 hours direct sun |
| Soil texture | tolerant of poor soil, performs better well-amended with abundant organic matter (Cultivariable) |
| Drainage | well-drained |
| Lifecycle | biennial (grown as an annual for its root) |
| Edible parts | root (hypocotyl), leaves |
At a Glance
Soil & Growing Conditions
Water: consistent moisture, but good drainage -- long exposure to sodden soil degrades root quality (Cultivariable)
Soil pH range
Span reflects genuine variation between the cited authorities, not a single agreed figure.
Growth Stages
| Stage | BBCH | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sowing | 0 | Scatter seed on the soil surface and press in; germinates within two to three weeks (Cultivariable). |
| Thinning | 1 | Thin seedlings to 6in spacing with regular water, or 10in in drier conditions (Cultivariable). |
| Root (hypocotyl) development | 4 | Requires full sun -- shade reduces root size; needs 5-10 months for harvestable roots, taking about 8-9 months before flowering (Cultivariable). |
| Frost-triggered harvest | 8 | Harvest once a hard freeze kills the top growth; best roots are 1-2in diameter (Cultivariable). |
Harvest & Storage
When to pick: Harvest after a hard freeze kills the top growth -- roots are quite frost-resistant even as growth slows. Best roots are 1-2in diameter; smaller roots taste superior, with less fibre, than larger ones. Requires 5-10 months from sowing for harvestable roots (Cultivariable).
Pests
Maca, the Highest-Altitude Cultivated Crop
References
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A small root crop (technically a bulbous hypocotyl) resembling turnips or radishes, 1-3 inches in diameter, in yellow, red or black (dark purple) landraces. Flavour combines pungent and sweet notes, "like a radish dipped in butterscotch"; leaves are also edible, spicy and cress-like. Native to the high Andes of Peru and Bolivia at elevations up to 14,108 feet, in a natural environment ranging from below freezing to 60F with frequent frosts and an 8-month wet season; quite resistant to frost, though growth slows considerably in cold weather. USDA zones 7b+ recommended outdoors. Requires full sunlight -- shade reduces root size. Prefers near-neutral pH soil with abundant organic matter and good drainage while maintaining consistent moisture; can tolerate very poor soil but performs better well-amended. Sow by scattering on the soil surface and pressing in; germinates in two to three weeks; March sowing for Pacific Northwest harvests, spring sowing for zones colder than 7b, fall sowing possible in frost-free regions. Thin to 6in spacing with regular water or 10in in dry conditions. Requires 5-10 months for harvestable roots, another 10-15 weeks for seed, about 8-9 months before flowering. Harvest after a hard freeze kills the tops; best roots are 1-2in diameter, smaller roots tasting superior with less fibre than larger ones. Very little insect interest observed, though crickets caused damage in Portugal; birds and rodents threaten young plants. No obvious signs of disease reported in available growing records. Short-term storage at 35-38F with 90%+ humidity for up to 2 months; dried roots keep for several years, traditionally sun-dried then stored in cloth bags.
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Maca is a Peruvian plant of the Brassicaceae family cultivated for more than 2000 years, growing exclusively in the central Andes between 4000 and 4500m altitude -- probably grown at higher elevations than any other cultivated food crop, in an inhospitable region of intense sunlight, violent winds and below-freezing weather. Best annual daytime temperatures 12-18C, tolerating 3-22C. Farmers traditionally sow when the rainy season begins in October; seedlings emerge after one month; the hypocotyl is ready for harvest after a further 260-280 days.
2 independent sources are cited for this crop. Where they disagree - soil pH is the clearest case - every figure is preserved rather than averaged into false precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I sow macas in the UK?
In Southern England, from early March. In Scotland, wait until early March. Treat these as a guide rather than a fixed date — the governing rule is to sow only once frost risk has passed and temperatures are reliably warm enough.
When do I sow macas?
Sow early March to early May.
What soil pH do macas need?
A pH of about 6–7.5. That span reflects genuine variation between the authorities we cite rather than a single agreed figure — the References section lists each source's exact range.
Plan next season before the problems start
Most of the advice on this page comes down to timing and spacing — sowing at the right moment, rotating beds, and giving plants enough airflow. The UK Garden Planner lays your plot out month by month so those decisions are already made before the season starts.
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