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

10 Apr 19, Ron Mackle (Australia - tropical climate)
Can I grow yams in the Fraser coast.if so where can I buy seeds?
29 Mar 19, Hemi (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Ive planted yellow the have grown huge when flowered how soon does the plant die ?
09 Mar 19, Khalid Cooke (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I looking to grow some NZ yams or oca this year, some Im looking to get my hands on some seeds. A cost would be great and postage as I live in Tasmania. Cheers.
07 Jul 19, Sandy (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I live in the north of Tassie. I got mine from Allen’s garden centre in Prospect, L’ton. Had no problems growing them. Just dug mine up this morning. Hope this helps.
12 Mar 19, Bincy Philip (Australia - temperate climate)
I saw some of those plants (NZ Yam/oca) at Salamanca Market when we visited Tasmania in January. It is worth checking.
20 Feb 19, Carl-Philip (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
My yams have taken off. Growing about 6 feet now from the garden. Do I cut the vines back? . Like kumara.
24 Feb 19, Mike (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Sounds like too much fertiliser - nitrogen - to have a massive leaf crop. Cut them back to half.
06 Oct 18, Kaye Arnott (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Are the little pink yams grown like sweet potatoes which I've grown commercially ..And can the yam be cut like a sweet potato to create a new plant?
07 Oct 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You can only try. They plant sweet potatoes here in SE QLD with slips. 50-60mm lengths of the vine when the plants are about 6-8 weeks old. They plant from one crop to start another and the cycle goes on and on.
03 Oct 18, cheryl (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi I grew my yams in big bucket & deep wheel barrow but after harvest 50% went rotten< I left them out to cure in the sun under a roof covered @ night, I v been doing this for years with no problems, Why?? Second problem is I can "t grow parsnips I v tried pouring hot water over rows after planting, the board trick, no luck at all. I live in Southland but don"t hold that against me.
Showing 41 - 50 of 181 comments

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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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