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

22 Aug 12, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I think the root system is too large for a pot. I got mine as a freebie from Diggers but I think cos like Green Harvest etc also have them. They are delicious - best freebie I ever had!
22 Aug 12, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I grow them successfully in the Southern Highlands. The plants die back in winter and I mulch them heavily over the winter months
13 Nov 12, Margaret (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Does anyone know where in south africa, one can buy these to grow?
22 Jan 13, Roberta (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Like growing a potato plant, as the yakon grows, can I continue adding dirt to the container? And I have a whole new plant sprouting off the trunk of my yakon. Is this normal? Thank you.
10 Mar 14, GJX (USA - Zone 5a climate)
yes it is normal
21 Apr 13, johan (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi. Hope you can help me. I am looking for Yocan plants/tubers/seeds.in south africa .Please let me know if i can buy from you
27 Apr 13, johan (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Does anyone know if it is possible to import Yocan plants/seed/tubers to South Africa. I cant find any locally.
11 Jun 13, Catharina (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Hi! I am Catharina and would like more information on this wonderful yacon plant which I would love to grow in my garden. I live in Putaruru in the South Waikato. We do get some frost but the general climate is mild. I am making an area with lots of organic siledge witch would keep the soil pretty warm and weed free.
14 Aug 13, Jim (Australia - temperate climate)
G'day. I'm in Tassie and would like to know where I can buy some of this wonder plant called Yucon
07 Nov 13, Michelle (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello Jim - I am also In Tasmania and looking to source some Yacon. If you do happen to get some, would you mind passing on the info ? Much appreciated.
Showing 21 - 30 of 355 comments

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