Growing Yacon, also Sunroot

Smallanthus sonchifolius : Asteraceae / the daisy family

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

Not recommended for growing in USA - Zone 5a regions

  • 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

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05 Mar 17, caroline (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
thanks for your advice John, I will not let them dry out, I just hope they make enough tuber to resprout in our spring here, having planted them so late!
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28 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
I hope you do well with your yacon. Keep in mind that containers can get very hot on a hot day and also pay attention to watering. A wet, dry, wet, dry situation will reduce your yield. All the best.
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26 Feb 17, caroline (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
what time of the year can i plant yacon in the westerncape?
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26 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Yacon needs a soil temperature of about 15 degrees Celsius or higher. Plant it about the same time as you would plant tomatoes. It takes about 6 monyjs to harvvest but some roots can be carefully removed earlier. The tops will die off if you get frosts but the roots will be sweeter after the first frost. Trust this helps
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26 Nov 16, Lynn (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where in South Africa is the syrup sold. Does eating yacon raw have weight loss brnefit. Thank you.
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12 Apr 16, Nicholas Ndou (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where can I find seeds in South Africa?
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01 Jul 18, Leonor Santos (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Please I need plants or seeds. Where can I get them?
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13 Apr 16, lusapho (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi Yacon Theres a few places but my absolute favourite is seedsforafrica.co.za. check them out, payment is easy, delivery is swift and if u really want to, there's even a pick up option. U won't be disappointed. Let me know what you think. Regards
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01 Apr 14, Adri (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Has anyone found a source of Sunroot yet?
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02 Apr 14, merrilyn (Australia - arid climate)
i have yacon growing in my garden i got it from the farmers market
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Showing 21 - 30 of 34 comments
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will yacon grow in a large pot ? and where from do I get tubers ?

- Marie Young

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