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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
13 May 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Probably cool dry place or in dry sand.
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09 Apr 23, Nico Prinsloo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy tubers/plants in South Africa
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04 Feb 23, Andrew (Steve) Warner (Australia - temperate climate)
My Sunroot has been growing for about 5 months and is now 2 metres in height and flowering boldly. Do I wait.for the flowers to die off before I dig up the roots? They are extremely healthy. Steve
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12 May 23, Edel Heyer (Australia - temperate climate)
Wait for the flowers and the leaves to wilt and die off. Once they're all going brown, cut back and dig up the roots.
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06 Feb 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It says 25 weeks - maybe wait till flowers die off.
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24 Nov 22, Diane (Canada - Zone 6a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Hello, does anyone know where to buy Yacon tubers in Canada? I live in Markham Ontario, thanks
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08 Oct 22, Margaret (Australia - temperate climate)
It looks like my first yacon planting has been very successful, which means I’m going to have more than I can eat while fresh. Any hints on how to store the harvested roots to last for a lot longer?
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12 May 23, Edel Heyer (Australia - temperate climate)
Layer them in cardboard boxes with newspaper in between layers and keep in a cool place, like a garage. If you have damaged tubers keep them in the fridge.
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24 Aug 22, Christine Durey (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Is it too late to plant Yacon in Brisbane in September? Also, could you please tell me why, after about 11 months, the stems of the Yacon I planted last year had still not died back. The crop was small, I no doubt needed more organic matter. Thanks so much Kind regards Christine
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29 May 22, Lynn (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Where can I buy yacon root to grow if I live in Ontario Canada
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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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