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

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11 Oct 20, Suzy Hawes (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Oops! That was meant to say Yakon tubers!
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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
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13 Aug 20, peter (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You cannot buy Yakon seed from bunnings or anyone else because they only propagate from tubers.
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14 Aug 20, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You can buy the tubers here. https://www.koanga.org.nz/gardens/product/yacon/
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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.
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26 Jul 20, Merril Bourne (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I live in Auckland & have just harvested my Yacon & have plenty of Rhizomes to share.
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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
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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] .
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30 May 20, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Look for seed selling websites in New Zealand.
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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
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Showing 11 - 20 of 55 comments
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Hello Dawn. I am in Tauranga, was given a Yacon plant last spring. It is beginning to die down. can you give me any advice as to what I do with it now. Do I dig the whole plant up? how do I start another plant for the coming spring? Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated. Regards Carol

- carol o'shea

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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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