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
04 May 23, Rod (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
what is the best way to store Yakon rhizomes once they are dug from the ground ?
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13 May 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Probably cool dry place or in dry sand.
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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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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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07 Feb 22, Dylinda Matiga (Australia - tropical climate)
The title of this blog is 'growen yacon in tropical Australia I am in tropical Philippines I thought tropical is tropical I am confused. Soil temperature here is never 50 degrees FH, nor do we get Frost's My question is... How would l grow it in a Frost free tropical climate where the soil temperature rarely drops lower than 85 farenhite As we don't get frosts, will it die off or produce flowers and yacon all year, Can it even grow in a Frost free tropical climate. How can I treat it like an annual and a perrinial everywhere else I just bought one and ? Thanks to whoever can helpme
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08 Feb 22, John Mauger (Australia - tropical climate)
If you refer to the growing notes for Yacon on this site you will find your answer. Yacon should grow in the Philippines The temperature guide can be read in Fahrenheit or Celsius. Just click on it for one or the other. All the best.
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If you still need yakon let me know,,woman in Bilpin has,,,can send her details if still needed

- Andrew

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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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