Growing Yam/Oca, also Oka

Oxalis tuberosa : Oxalidaceae / the wood sorrel family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                    P  

(Best months for growing Yam/Oca in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • P = Plant tubers
  • Plant tubers about 5cm (1.5") deep covered with soil. Best planted at soil temperatures between 17°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 30 - 45 cm apart
  • Harvest in 15-20 weeks. Leave in the ground until foliage has completely died down so tubers reach maximum size.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Best in separate bed

Your comments and tips

15 Mar 14, Anne Brignall (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi John we got some Yams from you about 18 months ago, and didn't have much success the first year they were in but we tried again and this year have been rewarded by some fantastic growth from the yams, so cannot wait till it is time to dig them out of the ground. We planted in two different places, to see which grew best, and both this year have taken off. :-)
10 Mar 14, Delia (Australia - temperate climate)
I am wondering if you mean okra. I bought seeds at Bunnings late last year.
09 Mar 14, Jane (USA - Zone 6a climate)
I am thinking to grow small amount of oca this year. Is there anyone can tell me where I can get some seeds or tuber to try? Thank you so much!
13 Mar 14, Bill W. (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Jane: You can buy oca in the USA at www.cultivariable.com. Delia: Okra, the edible pod, is Abelmoschus esculentus. Oca, a tuber, is Oxalis tuberosa. In Australia, you might be more familiar with it under the name "New Zealand Yam".
25 Sep 13, Bill W. (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Information on where to get oca in the US: wettingthebeds.cultivariable.com/2013/06/oca-how-when-and-where-to-buy.html
04 Jul 13, yvonne o conor (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm not in any of the above locations. I'm in Ireland (temperate) and got a present of some Oka tubers last Christmas.--- I hadn't a clue what they were,but since they were tubers (I didn't have a clue what kind of tubers), I waited for them to sprout - as I would with potatoes - and then planted them in 2ltr pots and have been earthing them up as they grow. Will I transfer them to the ground? When? If I get a crop, what's the best way to cook them?
02 Jul 13, Robyn (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I have just bought some tubers and am wondering when to plant them in the Newcastle area in NSW.
03 Jul 13, john studte (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Robyn.They will let you know when to plant by sprouting. No need until then.Just keep them dry until then. John.
17 Jun 13, john studte (Australia - temperate climate)
YES!! I still have plenty of tubers available. [email protected]
30 May 13, john studte (Australia - temperate climate)
Yam tubers now available.Contact John at [email protected] Devonport Tasmania
Showing 91 - 100 of 181 comments

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