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    

(Best months for growing Yacon in Australia - sub-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 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
21 Oct 20, Di (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Will Yakon grow in Christchurch and do you know anyone that has the tubers in ChCh? Thanks.
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23 Oct 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try the internet, farmer's markets, nurseries for tubers. Go NZ section to look up planting times.
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11 Oct 20, Suzy Hawes (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Oops! That was meant to say Yakon tubers!
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11 Oct 20, Susan Hawes (New Zealand - temperate climate)
We grow all our own food. Large longstanding garden but my husband is having blood sugar issues and we're looking for yakon rivers to plant. Tried Koanga Gardens but they have none. 0274223442 [email protected] Thanks
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10 Oct 20, Hayne Clark (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hi. Where in South Africa can I buy yacon to plant?
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12 Oct 20, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Try internet seed selling companies.
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13 Aug 20, peter (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You cannot buy Yakon seed from bunnings or anyone else because they only propagate from tubers.
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14 Aug 20, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You can buy the tubers here. https://www.koanga.org.nz/gardens/product/yacon/
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29 May 20, David Kerr (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi can you tell me where I can get Yacon starter plant please. I live in Tokoroa.
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26 Jul 20, Merril Bourne (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I live in Auckland & have just harvested my Yacon & have plenty of Rhizomes to share.
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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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