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

27 Nov 16, Peter Lennon (Australia - temperate climate)
Apparently you can buy them from Waldecks nursery's.
24 Oct 16, Tom (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Kylie, I came across some plants at Waldecks in Stirling today. They are selling for $50 each, but I figure I should be able to propagate them next year.
16 Aug 16, Natalia Carbone (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello, Kylie! Find me on Facebook: Natalia Carbone / Goondiwindi. I ordered some yacon rhizomes for myself this year. I might be able to help you out. Send me a message on FB.
21 Sep 16, Kylie Minchin. (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello Natalia. My name is Kylie Minchin. You posted me a msg in regards to Yacon. I can't get my hands on any here in Western Australia. The nurseries over East have it but won't ship to me in WA because of quarantine. Do you have any suggestions as to how I could get some. I did msg you through FB last week. Not sure if you received it Kind regards Kylie
30 Aug 16, Kylie minchin (Australia - arid climate)
Thank you for your reply Natalia in regards to Yacon. I'm overseas at present. Back in WA on 8th September. I will contact you on FB When I return. Kind regards Kylie Minchin
04 Aug 16, Bettina (Australia - temperate climate)
Would like to grow a yacon rhizome. Where can I buy one. We are living in north east Victoria.
03 Aug 16, Wendy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
hi there can anyone tell me where i can buy the Yakon tuber Thank you Wendy
02 Jul 16, Raelene Gavin (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I've just received some yacon rizomes and live in Geelong, Victoria. They are currently wrapped up in coco fibre and peat moss or something similar and in a plastic bag. I want to plant them in pots. If the best time to plant is October / November, what can I do with them now? Can I store them the way they are or should I plant in pots and keep under cover so they won't get frost on them? Thank you
14 Jun 16, Jan saunders (Australia - temperate climate)
Dear Ellen, if you still have any Yacon roots I would love one to grow. I can swap you for another plant of your choice if you like. I live in Sydney. If anyone else has one they would like to give away I would very much appreciate it. Thanks very much Jan
28 May 16, Joy clewett (Australia - temperate climate)
We have grown ours great , someone asked should it be in full sun always
Showing 251 - 260 of 361 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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