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 10°C and 25°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 100 cm 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
  • Yacon flowering

Yacon is perennial in sub-tropical/tropical areas. Save some root pieces and treat as an annual in other areas.

Grows into a large plant (about 2 m/6ft) with flowers similar to sunflowers and Jerusalem artichokes.

The plants die down after frost but the roots are sweeter. To store, dig and dry out for a couple of days in the sun if possible. Store in a dry, cool, not freezing and dark place.

Any roots left in the ground will grow the following year except where there are frosts.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Yacon

The large roots can be used raw in salads peel and chop. Sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning.
"In the Andes, they are grated and squeezed through a cloth to yield a sweet refreshing drink. The juice can also be boiled down to produce a syrup. In South America the juice is concentrated to form dark brown blocks of sugar called chancaca." (Green Harvest)

Your comments and tips

27 Mar 24, (Australia - temperate climate)
My yakons still have some leaves on them and new shoots growing already, it is the start of April in a temperate climate, Australia. When should I harvest them, do I have to let the plant die back, what happens to the new shoots. Regards Maureen
28 Feb 24, James (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Where to buy tuber/roots to plant??? Yacon plants.
07 Jan 24, Di (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have yacon if you'd like some tubers. I live in Tauranga.
10 Jan 24, Evan (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I would love some Yakon tubers Di, I am in Tauranga also
09 Jan 24, Bruce (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I'd love some too. I'm local, can pick up
07 Jan 24, Jane Pearce (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I would love some yacon! I live in Christchurch. Obviously I would pay postage, but would you also charge for the plants? Thanks.
03 Jan 24, Aaron Mwikisa (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Does it mean i can never get these rhizomes here in Zambia? Please if there is a way, am willing to buy some. Kindly help
14 Jan 24, (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
It says it is unsuitable to grow in your area. Try to buy on the internet if you like.
26 Nov 23, Malcolm (Australia - temperate climate)
are we allowed to grow in South Australia
25 Nov 23, Eva (Australia - temperate climate)
I wonder where I could pay some Yacon plants please. I need for health reasons. Thankyou
Showing 1 - 10 of 355 comments

I recently got one from Greenharvest I think Daley’s also have them

- Barb

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