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

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.
19 Nov 19, Angela (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hi there Im keen to grow some Yacon where would I be able to buy some tubers
25 Nov 19, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Check on the internet.
14 Sep 19, Glenys (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I live in Katikati, BOP. Anyone know where I can get yakon plants? Thanks
Showing 21 - 30 of 52 comments

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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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