Red Maca - Peruvian Cress [Lepidium meyenii]

The red maca is a very old biennial root vegetable and medicinal plant from the high altitudes of the Peruvian Andes and was cultivated by the Chinchay culture over 2000 years ago. For the Incas it was considered a source of strength and fertility. Like ginseng, it is said to have strengthening (adaptogenic) properties; today it is considered a valued dietary supplement with a wide range of health benefits. The robust species grows particularly well at altitudes above 2000m in dry climates, but also thrives at lower altitudes. The taste of the tubers is slightly nutty with a firm and tender flesh. Red Maca is considered the most nutrient-dense of all Maca varieties and is therefore used to treat hair loss, depression and fatigue. Promotes blood formation, lowers blood pressure, supports libido and fertility.

General information
Plant family: Brassicaceae
Life cycle: Biennial
Days to harvest: 270 days
Plant height approx.: 20 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Medium eater
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to -10 °C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, loamy, sandy, humus

pH value: 5.5 to 7

Sowing and planting information
Germ type: Light germinator
Sowing depth: 0 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 12-18 °C
Germination time: 3-10 days
Plant and row spacing: 10x30 cm

Optimal mixed culture: 
Unfavorable mixed culture: 

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
We recommend pre-cultivation in small pots from January to March or in autumn from October to December.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
We recommend pre-cultivation in small pots from March to May.

General
When pre-cultivating, sow the seeds in small pots and let the seedlings grow to the first visible maca leaves. Then plant the pregrown plants from the pots directly into the open field. The seedlings are planted in the bed from the 2nd pair of leaves after the cotyledons.
Maca prefers a sunny location with a permeable, nutrient-rich, humus-rich and sandy loam soil. Prepare the soil with seasoned animal manure. Avoid waterlogging.

Additional tips
In very hot summers, Peruvian cress does not thrive so well, blooms quickly and only forms very small tubers. The plants are very robust; in their homeland they are alternately exposed to strong UV radiation, strong wind and temperature fluctuations. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil, we recommend additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock powder.

Type of propagation
It spreads via seeds or cuttings.

Plant care
Regular watering is necessary for stable growth and to avoid drying out. Beds prepared with animal manure and planting in mixed culture replace additional fertilizer.

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

Other Names
Botanical names: Lepidium meyenii
English names: Maca, peruvian cress
German names: Maca, Peruianische Kresse, Peru Ginseng
Portuguese names: Maca, Agrião peruano
Spanish names: Maca, Berro peruano
French names: Maca, Cresson du Pérou