Maca

Lepidium meyenii

Andean root vegetable from the high Peruvian altiplano (4000+ m). Adaptogenic effects on energy, hormone balance, and fertility.

Hardiness ratings

Maca hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 7–9 −17.8 °C to −1.1 °C Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating
RHS hardiness rating H5 −15 °C to −10 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 7–9 −12 °C and warmer Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 3–5 −5 °C to 10 °C Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating

As a tender annual, Maca doesn't overwinter — the zone range shows where the growing season supports it. See the RHS rating for its actual cold tolerance.

Growing notes

  • Despite its tropical origin, maca requires cool growing conditions — high altitude, not high heat. Does not suit lowland tropics.
  • Increasingly grown commercially in New Zealand tablelands and parts of Tasmania
  • Always consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner before using any plant medicinally

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Maca against your zones

Reference

Maca on Wikipedia