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
  • Harvested and washed oca
  • New growth just emerged and some tubers ready for planting
  • Oca just harvested
  • Oca leaves
  • Oca plant
  • Young leaves of Oka

Yams needs a long growing time to produce the tubers.

Protect from early Autumn (Fall) frosts to give time for tubers to fully develop.

Planting needs are similar to potatoes. Yams can handle more shade than potatoes. Earthing up will help increase production.

The leaves look rather like clover. Dig up after the plant dies down and leave outside for a few days to dry.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Yam/Oca

Scrub and boil or roast with other vegetables.

Your comments and tips

07 Oct 09, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Di and Terry, A couple of earlier comments gave possible sources of yams. Good hunting
11 Oct 09, Valerie (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Yams are easy to grow - just save some from the fruit and vegetable depatment at the sumermarket. Cheaper that trying to get them from the sead supplier.
25 May 10, john studte (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Stuart.Yes they are the right ones and they grow well.Please contact me on [email protected]
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].
13 Jun 17, Judy Hogg (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I've dug most of my yams so the grass grubs don't feast on them. I've cleaned and dried them. How can I now store them so they don't wither?
15 Jun 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Store them in damp sand in a cool dark place. The damp sand (not too damp) will stop them from withering and the cool dark spot will stop them from sprouting for quite a while.
16 Oct 17, Deana weston (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Is there anyone that has any yam plants for sale or seeds. Or does anyone know where to buy them from regards Deana weston
01 Nov 17, Simone Wright (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have some you can have if you pay for postage
04 Dec 17, leonie mason (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I would like some if they are still available Happy to pay postage I am aware it's almost too late seasonally.But I have a warm spot for them Thanks Leonie
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 1 - 10 of 25 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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