Mashua: varieties, growing and uses

A climber with its own characteristics

Mashua is Tropaeolum tuberosum, related to nasturtium but not a packet of ornamental seed to treat identically. It has lobed leaves and long trailing stems. Set up support beforehand to avoid building in the root zone later. Do not let it cover the entire neighbouring vegetable crop. A spacious, clearly bounded position keeps the trial manageable and the late harvest accessible.

Early flowering tells you something but guarantees no harvest

Ken Aslet is known to flower and form tubers earlier than many traditional short-day types. The supplier spelling Ken Aslett refers to the same usual name; retain one cultivar identity. Blanca is another named selection, with white tubers and stronger late-season dependence. Compare form, development and your autumn, not a guaranteed kilogram yield from another climate. Keep only healthy identifiable planting material for the next round.

Scent, flavour and use

General crop flavour: distinctly pungent and mustard-like raw; mellower after cooking, often with a cabbage-like impression and a texture less firm than potato. Begin in the kitchen with a small cooked portion, not a promise that everyone will like it.

Care, cutting and harvesting

Start healthy planting tubers frost-free and plant out after the risk of frost. Provide suitable climbing support in a spacious bed or a very large container with room for the crop. Keep the soil moist without waterlogging.

Guide stems towards their support and cut only where needed for access; retain enough healthy foliage for tuber growth.

Most selections form tubers late. Harvest late where weather allows, but do not let the underground crop freeze severely. Ken Aslet may develop earlier than many short-day selections; local harvesting still needs monitoring.