Growing Yacon, also Sunroot

Smallanthus sonchifolius : Asteraceae / the daisy family

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

(Best months for growing Yacon in Australia - tropical regions)

  • P = Plant tubers
  • 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

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
13 May 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Probably cool dry place or in dry sand.
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09 Apr 23, Nico Prinsloo (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I buy tubers/plants in South Africa
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04 Feb 23, Andrew (Steve) Warner (Australia - temperate climate)
My Sunroot has been growing for about 5 months and is now 2 metres in height and flowering boldly. Do I wait.for the flowers to die off before I dig up the roots? They are extremely healthy. Steve
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12 May 23, Edel Heyer (Australia - temperate climate)
Wait for the flowers and the leaves to wilt and die off. Once they're all going brown, cut back and dig up the roots.
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06 Feb 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
It says 25 weeks - maybe wait till flowers die off.
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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
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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?
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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.
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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
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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
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Showing 21 - 30 of 361 comments
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Hi Lyn I have a lot of Yacon plants ready to plant out (extras I dont need) we live in Cleveland would be happy to give You as many as you need....anybody else looking for some I have a few that I dont have space to plant out...Cheers,

- Bob bell

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