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

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03 Aug 16, Wendy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
hi there can anyone tell me where i can buy the Yakon tuber Thank you Wendy
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02 Jul 16, Raelene Gavin (Australia - temperate climate)
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
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14 Jun 16, Jan saunders (Australia - temperate climate)
Dear Ellen, if you still have any Yacon roots I would love one to grow. I can swap you for another plant of your choice if you like. I live in Sydney. If anyone else has one they would like to give away I would very much appreciate it. Thanks very much Jan
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28 May 16, Joy clewett (Australia - temperate climate)
We have grown ours great , someone asked should it be in full sun always
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10 Apr 16, Kim (Australia - tropical climate)
I'm in Broome WA (tropical?) can I grow Yacon up here? If so where best to purchase? Kim
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22 May 16, Lesley (Australia - tropical climate)
I am also in Broome and chasing some Yakon. Kim, did you manage to track some down. Cheers Lesley
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16 Feb 16, Steve warner (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I received information that the properties from Sunroot taken orally are a rejuvenation to life healing or giving relief to many ailments including arthritis, diabetes, rheumatics, cholesterol etc. Seems too good to be true. Can you support their claim? I would like to grow it, can you help me?
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30 Jan 16, Hanafi W (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can I buy YAKON in WA, Australia ?
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02 Jan 16, graciela Vrinat (Australia - temperate climate)
Where I can by Yacon, I from Sydney Australia
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05 Jan 16, Eilean Watson (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Graciela, I have a couple of spare yacon plants in small pots ready to be planted in garden. They're free. Do you wan them? If so, feel free to email me directly to arrange pickup. Eilean
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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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