Growing Yam/Oca, also Oka

Oxalis tuberosa : Oxalidaceae / the wood sorrel family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                    P  

(Best months for growing Yam/Oca in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Plant tubers
  • Plant tubers about 5cm (1.5") deep covered with soil. Best planted at soil temperatures between 63°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 12 - 18 inches apart
  • Harvest in 15-20 weeks. Leave in the ground until foliage has completely died down so tubers reach maximum size.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Best in separate bed

Your comments and tips

14 Sep 12, Michelle (Australia - temperate climate)
Manda do you mind telling me how much you paid for your yams ? You can email me direct at [email protected]
01 Sep 12, James (Australia - temperate climate)
I got some yams from the market, just wondering how long until they start forming roots and foliage? It's still a little cold so I want to germinate them indoors under damp peat.
04 Sep 12, John Studte (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi James.I have found over the years that if you leave them until they sprout it is better.You also have the benefit of being able to cut them leaving sprout on each part and dip the raw ends into cement powder to seal.Wait 24 hours to dry then plant 50mm deep.You can plant in ground and cover with straw to protect them. John.
19 Aug 12, John Studte (Australia - temperate climate)
I still have many NZ Yams [occa] available for the coming planting season if you would like some.Please contact me at [email protected] Devonport Tasmania.
20 May 12, John (Australia - temperate climate)
NZ yam [occa] tubers available for coming season. Please contact John at= [email protected]
09 Aug 11, sonia wilson (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, Have just bought some yam bulbs and was wondering what yeild I could expect per bulb and does it increase per bulb per year or remain the same. I live in Melbourne.
29 Jul 11, John in Tassie. (Australia - temperate climate)
I still have some small yam tubers left for the coming season.Please contact me at [email protected] John.
31 Jul 11, Terry (Australia - temperate climate)
thanks for replying, I bought 10 on eBay, so I'll have a crack at growing
27 Jul 11, Terry (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, i'm becoming obsessed with finding some Yams, got a price from our local delivery guy but he couldnt get any at the last minute. Bought them years ago from a veg shop in Brighton but havent seen them since have seen them advertised on eBay '3' tubers, are they hard to grow in melbourne? [Burwood] anyone know who sells them ready to eat??? cheers
14 Jun 11, Susan Girard (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I've been growing NZ Yams in the Upper Blue Mountains for several years with increasing success. Just remember that they are oxalis and can get to be weedy and that the yams don't get to plump up till Autumn so don't get disappointed early in the year if it looks like you are getting lots of leaf without any yams. Good luck
Showing 111 - 120 of 181 comments

Did you plant at the right time. Probably don't over water or fertilise them.

- Anonymous

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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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