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 63°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 12 - 18 inches 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

24 May 11, Dinee (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Dave, just kept our yams in an onion bag hung in the garage and checked them every month disposing of any which had deteriorated and planted in September. We had a good crop this year and have just started harvesting and eating them. We live in Northern Tassie and began growing yams only a couple of years ago as they were becoming harder to buy.
30 Mar 13, Megan (Australia - temperate climate)
HI, I AM FROM SOUTHERN TASMANIA AND WAS WANTING TO KNOW IF ANYONE AT ALL CAN TELL ME WHERE I CAN PURCHASE YAM DOWN HERE... MEGAN
11 Jun 11, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
hey dinee,,,,nw tassie here,,,,,sandy kinda soil,,,,,,,thinking ill have a crack at yams....whats ya advice
15 May 11, leonie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
could anyone tell me what time of year to plant yams in qld. Also does anywhere no where I can get n kumera seed?
19 Dec 10, john (Australia - temperate climate)
If you would like some little NZ yams contact me at [email protected] and i will organize for you.
26 Mar 11, Talei Watson (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi John. My partner loves yams. I'm not such a big fan, but would love to purchase some for him. We would like to grow our own as well. I would really appreciate it if you could help us. Many thanks.
16 Dec 10, (Australia - temperate climate)
I would love to grow those gorgeous little pink yams that we could always buy in N.Z. Not the huge sweet potatoes we get here in Oz - the yams I'm after are about the size of an average thumb. Anyone know where I can buy seeds or plants in Perth??
27 Aug 10, Janice (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I can see are many of us yam-starved NZers in OZ - I have been searching for them for years and have just yesterday purchsed some tubers on ebay. Yippee, now I hope they will grow successfully in SE Qld. Has anyone else had success with them in this area? Comments appreciated. Thanks Janice
15 Sep 10, Leanne (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Janice - My mum is in Brisbane - I gave her some New Zealand yam last time she was down in Gippsland (my place) and she says they are growing well in Brissy. She keeps them in semi shade in the hottest part of the summer, and makes sure the water is kept up. She had a good yield last year, so I reckon you'd be ok to grow them ( and worth any effort, they are delicious>>>)
21 Jun 10, John Studte (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Dave.I am in Devonport and i keep mine in the back shed out of direct sunlight and on old rag just to absorb any moisture.I also have the small NZ yams available if any one would like some. [email protected].
Showing 121 - 130 of 181 comments

Is there anyone that has any yam plants for sale or seeds. Or does anyone know where to buy them from regards Deana weston

- Deana weston

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.