Lepidium meyenii MACA (20 seeds)

Maca, also known as Peruvian Ginseng is a biennial herbaceous plant measuring only 10 to 20 cm in height. This perennial plant, native to Peru in South America, is exceptionally hardy. Featuring deeply cut, semi-evergreen foliage, it grows in the mountains at altitudes exceeding 4,000 meters. It belongs to the Brassicaceae family.

Its hermaphroditic flowers are small and white, measuring about 5 millimeters in length, and grow in clusters starting in late spring.

The edible fruits are white and only one centimeter long, with each fruit containing about twenty small seeds.

Maca seeds from Lepidium meyenii are dark brown, lanceolate, only 1 millimeter long, and weigh just a few centigrams.

The main root resembles a turnip; it is a taproot that swells during development, eventually transforming into a large, short tuber shaped like a pear or a large radish. These tubers are harvested at the end of autumn.

- Uses:

A Treasure of the High Andean Plateaus

Maca is a fascinating plant native to the high plateaus of the Andes Mountains.
Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, this unusual root vegetable is a top choice for gardeners curious to discover and cultivate species from distant and extreme terroirs.

A Curiosity for the Highland Vegetable Garden

Introducing Maca into your garden is an excellent way to diversify your crops with a robust, exotic variety.
This gardening project allows you to observe the adaptation of a plant capable of growing in cool and demanding climatic conditions, offering a rewarding experience for enthusiasts seeking new botanical discoveries.

Botanical Challenge and Hardy Culture

Cultivating this unique vegetable species offers a one-of-a-kind experience to enrich any botanical collection.
Maca develops a low-growing foliage and a fleshy root typical of its native environment, making it a fascinating subject to observe throughout the seasons.
It is an ideal plant for those who appreciate botanical varieties with a strong identity and original cultivation challenges.

- Germination and Sowing of Seeds:

• The best period to sow Peruvian Ginseng is from February to the end of April.
• Stratify the seeds for 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator or directly outdoors during winter.
• Choose a high-quality, well-draining, and rich organic potting soil.
• Scatter the seeds on the surface of a tray without covering them, spacing them about 3 cm apart.
• Water gently by spraying at the time of planting.
• Place the culture in a temperate area with temperatures between 15 and 25°C.
• Germination typically begins 3 to 4 weeks after stratification and sowing.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

The plant requires a fertile, fresh, and airy substrate, whether grown in a pot or directly in the ground. Ensure the bottom of the pot is well-drained with gravel, pozzolana, or clay pebbles. This aphrodisiac plant does not like "wet feet" (stagnant water).

- Watering / Humidity:

It requires little humidity. Growing naturally in dry zones, it only needs occasional watering during its growth period. In the height of summer, irrigation once every 3 days is sufficient.

- Light / Exposure:

It needs a lot of light and should be planted in a very sunny area. For indoor cultivation under artificial lights, neon or LED lamps are preferred.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

For optimal growth, cultivation temperatures should be between 10 and 25°C. Its hardiness is remarkable; it withstands extreme negative temperatures very well, though it does not tolerate excessive humidity.

- Multiplication / Reproduction:

It reproduces exclusively by seeds. Unfortunately, multiplication by cuttings is not possible for this species.

- Pests / Diseases:

This plant is generally not prone to diseases. It is occasionally attacked by slugs, snails, or caterpillars at the beginning of the flowering stage.

This article was written by Julien on 07/11/2026.