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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
06 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Check internet seed selling websites.
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Feb 20, Sally (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm in Adelaide S.A when is the best time to plant yams we don't get them here any where so I'm struggling to find information on what month is the best time to plant them I baught some on the internet and they have arrived and I'm storing them in the fridge but I have no other information Gardenate : see /www.gardenate.com/plant/Yam~Oka
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Nov 20, Bridget (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I’m in Adelaide and looking to get some, where did you order them from? Thanks, Bridget
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Feb 20, anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
You are temperate - in sub tropical it says plant Sept to Nov, try then.
Reply or Post a new comment
05 Jan 20, Paul Watson (New Zealand - temperate climate)
it is now Jan. 2020 in nz. is it too late to plant yams ?
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Jan 20, anonymous (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You could try but if it doesn't work out, it is too late.
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Dec 19, MaryJane (Australia - temperate climate)
I'd love to grow yams . I never ever see them here in NSW or Qld. In nZ they have the red orange and yellow. I'd be happy for any!!
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Dec 19, anon (Australia - temperate climate)
Look up some seed selling websites to find some to buy. The guide here says to plant by Nov so you need to hurry.
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Oct 19, Erica Blackwood (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hi there, I have my yams in a bath tub, is there anything else I can plant in there with them?
Reply or Post a new comment
29 Oct 19, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
You might be able to, but I'M a big believer that each crop has it's own space to grow. If you want to produce great yams why would you plant something else next to them to grab some of the fert, water etc. Each crop requires a minimum spacing between plants and between rows to produce a good. crop. Go and buy another bath tub, dig some ground up etc.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 21 - 30 of 181 comments
See comments for all plants

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Yam/Oca

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.