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

15 May 20, Anonymous (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Try an internet seed selling website or nursery or Bunnings.
22 Mar 20, Dean (New Zealand - temperate climate)
This is my first time growing also. I was wondering this also but yesterday notice a flower just starting. I would say just give them time.
11 Mar 20, joy (New Zealand - temperate climate)
hello Alice, thanks for your comment. I'd love to get in contact with you to get some tuber pieces in August - how do i do that? kind regards Joy
12 Mar 20, Liz at Gardenate (New Zealand - temperate climate)
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11 Mar 20, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Try a seed selling internet company.
02 Mar 20, Carol (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hello - this is my first year of growin Yacon which I planted in October, although the 2 plants are quite tall they have not yet flowered. Does this mean that the aren't producng tubers yet , or will the flowers come later ? Look forward to hearing back. Regards Carol
02 Mar 20, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Gently feel around in the soil to see if you have any tubes.
09 Jan 20, Greg Bundle (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Can you tell me where to purchase yacon tubers? In nz Thanks Greg
12 Jan 20, Alice Phillips (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You can usually get them on trademe but to get tubers this year you would need a plant that's already underway. I have some available most years if you contact me in August.
10 Jan 20, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Try seed selling companies on the net.
Showing 21 - 30 of 55 comments

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.

- Roberta

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