Growing Yacon, also Sunroot

Smallanthus sonchifolius : Asteraceae / the daisy family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                    P P

(Best months for growing Yacon in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Plant tubers
  • Easy to grow. Plant sprouting root/tuber to a depth of about 4cm and mulch to cover. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 39 inches apart
  • Harvest in approximately 25 weeks. You can collect a few at a time without digging out the whole plant..
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Best in separate bed

Your comments and tips

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11 Jul 15, Colleen (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi there I recently bought some Yacon while down on the coast. I have 2 pieces of the fruit (which I plan to eat shortly) and a large piece of the root/rhizome. How should I store this until I can plant it in September (after the frosts) Cheers Colleen
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04 Jul 15, Jim & Jan Stevens (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
We are in Bundaberg area Queensland and would like to know if Yacon would grow here and where can we get seed or rhizome pieces. Thankyou for a great article
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15 Aug 15, Jill (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Jim and Jan. It will definitely grow in Bundy. I have rhizomes (called 'setts') available. Let me know if you still want some.
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04 Jul 15, bibiana kaarsberg (Australia - arid climate)
Where I can buy in Queensland
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27 Jun 15, Mary (Australia - temperate climate)
People looking for yacon in Perth can get them from Tass1 Trees on the corner of Toodyay and Wilson St in Midvale
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20 Jun 15, (Australia - arid climate)
where do we get the yacon root or cutting in perth
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15 Jun 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I purchase yacon to plant I live in Perth WA
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13 Jun 15, Laura Parlapiano (Australia - arid climate)
Where can I buy Yacon plant in WA???? Please help .r thank you Laura
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12 May 15, Rog (USA - Zone 6b climate)
WOW! THis will grow anywhere it seems. So many places that it's confusing. How to grow, and regrow, in Central New Jersey USA? 6B?
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13 May 15, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
You keep some of the smaller brown offset tubers and use them to regrow each year. You can just eat all the big tubers.
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hi, Where can I get the seed or plant in Christchurch , Newzealand ? How much is it ? Thanks.

- Ittai

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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