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
07 Apr 22, Nouk (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Where do I find an yacon plant in my area
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16 Apr 22, Celeste Archer (Canada - Zone 7b Mild Temperate climate)
https://www.cultivariable.com/catalog/yacon/yacon-varieties/ (Note from Gardenate : they have sold out for 2022)
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07 Feb 22, Dylinda Matiga (Australia - tropical climate)
The title of this blog is 'growen yacon in tropical Australia I am in tropical Philippines I thought tropical is tropical I am confused. Soil temperature here is never 50 degrees FH, nor do we get Frost's My question is... How would l grow it in a Frost free tropical climate where the soil temperature rarely drops lower than 85 farenhite As we don't get frosts, will it die off or produce flowers and yacon all year, Can it even grow in a Frost free tropical climate. How can I treat it like an annual and a perrinial everywhere else I just bought one and ? Thanks to whoever can helpme
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08 Feb 22, John Mauger (Australia - tropical climate)
If you refer to the growing notes for Yacon on this site you will find your answer. Yacon should grow in the Philippines The temperature guide can be read in Fahrenheit or Celsius. Just click on it for one or the other. All the best.
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07 Feb 22, Mike (Australia - tropical climate)
Tropical climate describes certain weather conditions whether it is Australia, China or Asia. Look at the planting guide April to July. Then read the article - warm/hot climates it is perennial. read the notes here.
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10 Jan 22, YEE HAN CHOY (Canada - Zone 3a Temperate Short Summer climate)
i had greenhouse just want to try grow it
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13 Jan 22, Anonymous (Canada - Zone 3a Temperate Short Summer climate)
You don't have the climate to grow it.
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19 Sep 21, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Did you manage to find some?
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23 Apr 21, C DEFIGUEIREDO (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy yacon potatoes?
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28 Apr 21, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Try the internet - seed selling companies.
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Showing 31 - 40 of 360 comments
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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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