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
11 Oct 20, Suzy Hawes (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Oops! That was meant to say Yakon tubers!
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Oct 20, Susan Hawes (New Zealand - temperate climate)
We grow all our own food. Large longstanding garden but my husband is having blood sugar issues and we're looking for yakon rivers to plant. Tried Koanga Gardens but they have none. 0274223442 [email protected] Thanks
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Aug 20, peter (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You cannot buy Yakon seed from bunnings or anyone else because they only propagate from tubers.
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Aug 20, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You can buy the tubers here. https://www.koanga.org.nz/gardens/product/yacon/
Reply or Post a new comment
29 May 20, David Kerr (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi can you tell me where I can get Yacon starter plant please. I live in Tokoroa.
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Jul 20, Merril Bourne (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I live in Auckland & have just harvested my Yacon & have plenty of Rhizomes to share.
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Mar 21, Warren coop (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Does anyone have any Rhizomes available this year. I would like some. I live in Auckland area, Algies Bay Regards Warren
Reply or Post a new comment
30 Sep 20, Sylvia Wong (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Merril, May I share some yacon starter plant from you pls. I live in Auckland wish to grow that in my garden. I can buy from you so pls let me know the cost. Looking forward for your reply by email to : [email protected] .
Reply or Post a new comment
30 May 20, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Look for seed selling websites in New Zealand.
Reply or Post a new comment
14 May 20, Bronwyn Roberts (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi from a little vill in Bay of plenty wanting to buy sum bulbs an have a go at growing them Cheers
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 11 - 20 of 55 comments
See comments for all plants

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Yacon

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.