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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
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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07 May 15, Trayci (Canada - Zone 2b Sub-Arctic climate)
I found yacon and hopin oca plants at Greenland nursery, just outside Edmonton.
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24 Apr 15, Carole (Canada - Zone 5b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
I found some on eBay!
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17 Apr 15, Harvey Cymbalisty (Canada - Zone 2b Sub-Arctic climate)
Where can I buy yacon tubers in Western Canada?
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22 Dec 14, Annette (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
my yacon has been in for 20 weeks is doing well in full sun but is only about 3ft tall can I harvest soon
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10 Nov 14, Sue Forsyth (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Where can I get tubers to grow in Tasmania?
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27 Apr 17, David Donald (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi I have some plants growing. I am happy to share if I can get a piece to you. I am in Hobart.
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06 Sep 14, beverly cengiz (Australia - temperate climate)
where can i buy tubers or plant in bayside areas melbourne victoria?
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01 Jul 14, Bob (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Where can I purchase yacon roots to plant
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Showing 301 - 310 of 362 comments
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Hi, I've just received some yacon rizomes and live in Geelong, Victoria. They are currently wrapped up in coco fibre and peat moss or something similar and in a plastic bag. I want to plant them in pots. If the best time to plant is October / November, what can I do with them now? Can I store them the way they are or should I plant in pots and keep under cover so they won't get frost on them? Thank you

- Raelene Gavin

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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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