Growing Yam/Oca, also Oka

Oxalis tuberosa : Oxalidaceae / the wood sorrel family

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

(Best months for growing Yam/Oca in Australia - sub-tropical regions)

  • P = Plant tubers
  • Plant tubers about 5cm (1.5") deep covered with soil. Best planted at soil temperatures between 17°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 30 - 45 cm apart
  • Harvest in 15-20 weeks. Leave in the ground until foliage has completely died down so tubers reach maximum size.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Best in separate bed
  • Harvested and washed oca
  • New growth just emerged and some tubers ready for planting
  • Oca just harvested
  • Oca leaves
  • Oca plant
  • Young leaves of Oka

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/Oca

Scrub and boil or roast with other vegetables.

Your comments and tips

30 Jun 22, Denise (Australia - temperate climate)
Do the tubers accumulate around the seed yam? I am finding very small tubers growing off the vines.
25 Jun 22, Peter (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Is it possible to grown yams from the shop? I know that its best to use seed potatoes but yams?...
26 Apr 22, Patsy (Australia - temperate climate)
Can you grow yams in WA I'm 2hrs south of Perth and if so where can I get them please thanks
02 May 22, Anonymous (Australia - tropical climate)
Plant in Oct Nov and try some internet seed selling companies - diggers eden seeds etc.
20 Nov 21, Judith Fisher (Canada - Zone 4b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Can yams Oka be grown here?
25 Jan 21, Rob (Australia - temperate climate)
My first attempt to cultivate yams has resulted in no tubers at all even though the tops grew well and died down Why did I not get any tubers?????
27 Jan 21, Anonymous (Australia - arid climate)
Did you plant at the right time. Probably don't over water or fertilise them.
07 Oct 20, Angie (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I haven’t seen yams in garden store can I grow the ones from the supermarket? We live just out of Maungaturoto is this a suitable climate soil is excellent. Many thanks
08 Oct 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Work out your climate zone from the blue at top and then check yams - similar to potatoes.
18 Sep 20, ERIK (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Hobart Tasmania, I saw the OCA at Hill Street Grocer and decided to try it i liked what i tried and went back and bought a couple of kilo 1 kilo to eat and the other to let chit and then i will plant it out. I know it isn't seed quality but it was grown in Tasmania so expect it will be ok to plant, I was unable to purchase OCA seed. Hope this helps. PS The OCA was only available at the West Hobart shop at the time and i haven't seen at the others.
Showing 1 - 10 of 145 comments

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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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