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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20 Nov 13, Karen (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, Daleys nursery will ship to Tassie and WA as I just bought some yacon and most companies will not ship to WA and Tassie. However it is pricey to ship because of the quarantine laws I think 2 tubers cost me around $80 to WA. the tubers themselves were only about $15
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07 Nov 13, Michelle (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello Jim - I am also In Tasmania and looking to source some Yacon. If you do happen to get some, would you mind passing on the info ? Much appreciated.
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11 Jun 13, Catharina (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hi! I am Catharina and would like more information on this wonderful yacon plant which I would love to grow in my garden. I live in Putaruru in the South Waikato. We do get some frost but the general climate is mild. I am making an area with lots of organic siledge witch would keep the soil pretty warm and weed free.
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27 Apr 13, johan (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Does anyone know if it is possible to import Yocan plants/seed/tubers to South Africa. I cant find any locally.
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21 Apr 13, johan (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi. Hope you can help me. I am looking for Yocan plants/tubers/seeds.in south africa .Please let me know if i can buy from you
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22 Jan 13, Roberta (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Like growing a potato plant, as the yakon grows, can I continue adding dirt to the container? And I have a whole new plant sprouting off the trunk of my yakon. Is this normal? Thank you.
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10 Mar 14, GJX (USA - Zone 5a climate)
yes it is normal
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13 Nov 12, Margaret (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Does anyone know where in south africa, one can buy these to grow?
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22 Aug 12, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I grow them successfully in the Southern Highlands. The plants die back in winter and I mulch them heavily over the winter months
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22 Aug 12, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I think the root system is too large for a pot. I got mine as a freebie from Diggers but I think cos like Green Harvest etc also have them. They are delicious - best freebie I ever had!
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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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