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

03 Sep 13, Luis (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Where can I find Yacon in SA?
27 Apr 13, johan (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Does anyone know if it is possible to import Yocan plants/seed/tubers to South Africa. I cant find any locally.
21 Apr 13, johan (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi. Hope you can help me. I am looking for Yocan plants/tubers/seeds.in south africa .Please let me know if i can buy from you
13 Nov 12, Margaret (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Does anyone know where in south africa, one can buy these to grow?
Showing 31 - 34 of 34 comments

You can usually get them on trademe but to get tubers this year you would need a plant that's already underway. I have some available most years if you contact me in August.

- Alice Phillips

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