Growing Yacon, also Sunroot

Smallanthus sonchifolius : Asteraceae / the daisy family

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

Not recommended for growing in USA - Zone 5a regions

  • Easy to grow. Plant sprouting root/tuber to a depth of about 4cm and mulch to cover. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 39 inches apart
  • Harvest in approximately 25 weeks. You can collect a few at a time without digging out the whole plant..
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Best in separate bed

Your comments and tips

24 Nov 22, Diane (Canada - Zone 6a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Hello, does anyone know where to buy Yacon tubers in Canada? I live in Markham Ontario, thanks
08 Oct 22, Margaret (Australia - temperate climate)
It looks like my first yacon planting has been very successful, which means I’m going to have more than I can eat while fresh. Any hints on how to store the harvested roots to last for a lot longer?
12 May 23, Edel Heyer (Australia - temperate climate)
Layer them in cardboard boxes with newspaper in between layers and keep in a cool place, like a garage. If you have damaged tubers keep them in the fridge.
24 Aug 22, Christine Durey (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Is it too late to plant Yacon in Brisbane in September? Also, could you please tell me why, after about 11 months, the stems of the Yacon I planted last year had still not died back. The crop was small, I no doubt needed more organic matter. Thanks so much Kind regards Christine
29 May 22, Lynn (Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Where can I buy yacon root to grow if I live in Ontario Canada
02 May 22, June (Canada - Zone 3b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Hi,where do I buy Yacon? I live Toronto,Canada. Thanks
07 Apr 22, Nouk (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Where do I find an yacon plant in my area
16 Apr 22, Celeste Archer (Canada - Zone 7b Mild Temperate climate)
https://www.cultivariable.com/catalog/yacon/yacon-varieties/ (Note from Gardenate : they have sold out for 2022)
07 Feb 22, Dylinda Matiga (Australia - tropical climate)
The title of this blog is 'growen yacon in tropical Australia I am in tropical Philippines I thought tropical is tropical I am confused. Soil temperature here is never 50 degrees FH, nor do we get Frost's My question is... How would l grow it in a Frost free tropical climate where the soil temperature rarely drops lower than 85 farenhite As we don't get frosts, will it die off or produce flowers and yacon all year, Can it even grow in a Frost free tropical climate. How can I treat it like an annual and a perrinial everywhere else I just bought one and ? Thanks to whoever can helpme
08 Feb 22, John Mauger (Australia - tropical climate)
If you refer to the growing notes for Yacon on this site you will find your answer. Yacon should grow in the Philippines The temperature guide can be read in Fahrenheit or Celsius. Just click on it for one or the other. All the best.
Showing 21 - 30 of 355 comments

Hi Lyn, I live on the West Coast and I brought my first Yacons from Dayleys fruit tree nursery NSW. They are great people to deal with and have a great web site. Regards Robert Devine. 0400614698.

- Robert Devine

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 Gardenate 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 Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | 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. Gardenate 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.