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

22 Aug 09, karen (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I to am looking for NZ yams I was in maleny last week and went to the farmers market but got there to late as the guy that had them had sold out said they go really fast said to try greenharvest
19 Aug 09, Chris (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Have just this morning received 3 yam tubers from www.greenharvest.com.au Also received a list of available seasonal plants showing their yams now out of stock. Better luck next season guys.
31 Jul 09, Elizabeth Glass (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have just ordered some yams from this website. www.newgipps.com.au/
15 Jul 09, Sue Anderson (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I too am looking for the Aerial Potato (Yam).I have written to some Magazines and nobody seems to able to help me.Why are they so hard to buy..somebody must have them??? Cheers Sue
17 May 09, Sylvia (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have only just heard about this yam and we are very keen to grow them. Do you think it would be too hot in the Grafton area of NSW to have a successful crop? We grow potatos and sweet potatoes quite successfully.
03 Feb 09, velia (Australia - temperate climate)
i am an ex-kiwi with yams growing, planted oct. but when do we harvest them?? last year they were so precious we did not eat any, just replanted them, even the tiny ones.
19 Jan 09, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
As an ex Kiwi I too despaired of ever tasting NZ Yams again Last year I was able to source some seed from another exkiwi and have a few growing very wellwith very healthy topsbut didnt know one had to mound them up like spudsI may have enough of a crop to supply some seed but we`ll just have to wait and see
08 Oct 08, jacki wright (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I too am hunting for nz yam tubers or seeds with no luck at all. Green harvest do not have them this year. We kiwis love this!
04 Oct 08, halapolo hola (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
i would like to know the different types of yams and how you look after them with the insect and disease and the grubs. please to the above email address.
17 Sep 08, Kate (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Yams can be obtained on a very limited basis from; Green Harvest PO Box 92 Maleny Qld 4552 Australia 1800 681014
Showing 171 - 180 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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