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 10°C and 25°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 100 cm 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

25 May 16, Alex Buitrago (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello I'm on the Gold Coast and came across this in Colombia recently and would like to plant some in my garden. Anyone know where I can find it up this way?
11 Dec 15, Margaret Carrington (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I buy Yacon in Launceston Tasmania? Many thanks.
27 Apr 17, David Donald (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I have some plants. If you email me I am happy to share some tubers. I am in Hobart but can probably get some to Launceston.
27 Sep 15, chris.guiana (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I live on the mid north coast of NSW, my sister gave me some yacon to try also one sprouting, unfortunately I think I might have killed it with kindness and am looking to get more tubers for growing and also is there anywhere in our area where I can purchase to use as have used in salads and in stir fries and thoroughly enjoy their freshness and texture.
14 Oct 15, Bronwyn (Australia - temperate climate)
You can often get small plants and the tubers for eating from Colin Amos at the Wauchope Farmers Market.
24 Jul 15, Brian (Australia - arid climate)
you can plant it now in July in the middle of winter frost, but it won't come up till it starts getting warm. Mine are in the ground at the moment, and we get frosts till early November. It will come up when it's ready.
15 Jul 15, Meg (Australia - arid climate)
Where can I buy yacon to plant in South Australia
26 Sep 15, Lexi (Australia - temperate climate)
I got mine from Diggers Club online last week!
13 Jul 15, marianne (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Fremantle and would like to start growing Yacon Tubers. Where can I buy these to get started please ?
11 Oct 15, chrissy (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi you can get yarcon at the moment at tass1 trees in jane brook midland i got 2 this week but not many as they are so rare here in western australia they are $15 each hope they still have some ...kind regards
Showing 281 - 290 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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