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 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

21 Aug 20, Georgial8dy (USA - Zone 7b climate)
I just ordered some from www.moonridgefarms.com/farm-products/organic-yacon.
12 Jul 15, Maritza Suarez (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Where can I get it in New Jersey and what is its name
22 Jan 13, Roberta (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Like growing a potato plant, as the yakon grows, can I continue adding dirt to the container? And I have a whole new plant sprouting off the trunk of my yakon. Is this normal? Thank you.
10 Mar 14, GJX (USA - Zone 5a climate)
yes it is normal
05 Jan 12, Jackie C (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Do you have info. about who sells plant or fruit to grow?.. (So. Florida)
28 Apr 12, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Nichols Garden Nursery in Albany, OR has Yacon. They sell via the web.
14 Jun 16, Jakes (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Looking for Yacon tubers.
Showing 11 - 17 of 17 comments

Hi, I've just received some yacon rizomes and live in Geelong, Victoria. They are currently wrapped up in coco fibre and peat moss or something similar and in a plastic bag. I want to plant them in pots. If the best time to plant is October / November, what can I do with them now? Can I store them the way they are or should I plant in pots and keep under cover so they won't get frost on them? Thank you

- Raelene Gavin

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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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