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Growing Yam/Oka, also Oca

(Oxalis tuberosa)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
      P                

(Best months for planting Yam/Oka in USA - Zone 5a regions)

P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.


  • 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: Best in separate bed
  • Young leaves of Oka

Frost tender. 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/Oka

Scrub and boil or roast with other vegetables.


Your comments and tips

Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
08 Apr 13, Billye Timbes (USA - Zone 8a climate)
I bought 1 or 2 little plants last summer & planted them on a little hilled bed. The plants died down but I left them as they were until last week when I noticed parts of tubers sticking out of the soft ground. I dug around & there are lots of them, some of them sprouting already (April 7). I left a few to grow again but I harvested several quarts of tubers. The slugs had nibbled some of them but most look healthy. Portland OR. no work, no trouble.
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28 Feb 13, Glenda (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Where can I get plants or seeds to grow Oca in NY State Glenda
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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. 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.

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