Maca - Hardy in all temperate zones. Sow the seed on the surface of the seed bed, stir it around with your fingers,
then tamp in securely. Germination is in 4 days at 65
degrees F soil temperature. Plant prefers fall, winter and
spring conditions for growth. Full sun and a fast-draining soil is preferred. Maca likes a somewhat alkaline soil, such
as decomposed granite or volcanic soils. Composted
manures are a good fertilizer for Maca. Thin to 6 inch
spacing, and harvest after the first year of growth.
Best to direct-seed in September and harvest in May or so,
unless winters are very snowy.
With a little snow, the plant grows through the winter,
which is preferred, as it encourages bulbing (the
hypocotyl). If left in the field for 2 years, the root will become quite woody and the plant will go to seed.
Probably the best regions for growing maca are high
steppes in tropical or subtropical countries. The plant is very tolerant of high intensity sunlight and withstands
drastic temperature fluctuations. New seed tests at 86%
germination. Open Pollinated