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

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

The title of this blog is 'growen yacon in tropical Australia I am in tropical Philippines I thought tropical is tropical I am confused. Soil temperature here is never 50 degrees FH, nor do we get Frost's My question is... How would l grow it in a Frost free tropical climate where the soil temperature rarely drops lower than 85 farenhite As we don't get frosts, will it die off or produce flowers and yacon all year, Can it even grow in a Frost free tropical climate. How can I treat it like an annual and a perrinial everywhere else I just bought one and ? Thanks to whoever can helpme

- Dylinda Matiga

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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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