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
03 Dec 20, T & K Gauthier (USA - Zone 5a climate)
After pulling the yacon plant (we only have one), how do we store the rhizomes until spring planting time? We have a high tunnel, but I don't think it would be happy there over winter.
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04 Dec 20, (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Read the notes here it tell you how to store them over winter.
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03 Nov 20, yan (Canada - Zone 2b Sub-Arctic climate)
Can I have some tuber of yacon? want to plant some.
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05 Nov 20, (Canada - zone 4a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
If you are sub artic then it looks like you can't grow it in sub artic by the planting calendar here.
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21 Oct 20, Di (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Will Yakon grow in Christchurch and do you know anyone that has the tubers in ChCh? Thanks.
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23 Oct 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try the internet, farmer's markets, nurseries for tubers. Go NZ section to look up planting times.
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11 Oct 20, Suzy Hawes (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Oops! That was meant to say Yakon tubers!
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11 Oct 20, Susan Hawes (New Zealand - temperate climate)
We grow all our own food. Large longstanding garden but my husband is having blood sugar issues and we're looking for yakon rivers to plant. Tried Koanga Gardens but they have none. 0274223442 [email protected] Thanks
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10 Oct 20, Hayne Clark (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi. Where in South Africa can I buy yacon to plant?
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12 Oct 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Try internet seed selling companies.
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Showing 51 - 60 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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