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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
13 Jul 18, PoMei (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have plenty of yacon eyes to plant and I will be at the Maleny markets on Sundays ...
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Sep 18, Carolyna (Australia - arid climate)
Hi PoMei. How much are you selling the yacon rhyzomes for? Have they been stored in coir or cool soil since harvesting? Have they started to sprout? How many are available? (Note from Gardenate - we don't promote selling; exchange or gift is our preferred option)
Reply or Post a new comment
24 Jun 18, Greg (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Firstly I’m not sure cool/mountain climate best describes my climate, Horsham Victoria (January average temperatures > 30 and cool winters with frosts. I planted Yacons in pots in August and garden bed in September. Plants still 2 - 3 feet high and green. When should/should have I dig them up? greg
Reply or Post a new comment
28 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - temperate climate)
Read the comments here, it generally tells you these things. Plant time Oct -Nov. Harvest time 25 weeks.
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Apr 18, Jim (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Has anyone got any spare Yacon in Toowoomba? Cheers, JIm.
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Apr 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If no success try Boondie Seeds (lives in Armidale NSW) - they have them but sold out at the moment - contact her to find out when she might have them back in stock. Sometimes she has stock when the website says sold out.
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Apr 18, ron (Australia - temperate climate)
I put a post about Yacon on 30 Aug 17.We planted tubers in May ,ended up with 9 plants all put into pots . They are now Flowering . We can see some tubers now.Plants still green some have up to 5 stems & over 2 metres tall Thank You to Mountain Herbs @Katoomba. Great buy for $16.10 Would highly recommend them.!!Ron
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Mar 18, Graeme (Australia - temperate climate)
We had a great crop (considering 1st year in the ground.) This 2nd year the plants have flourished but haven't flowered. The plants are just beginning to feel the cooler monthes (we water but very dry). We have had no flowers this year. Should we be concerned? Thanks for any tips!
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Nov 17, ken chee (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi folks, I have now 6 plants growing very well in timber planter boxes and should be in a position to supply in 4 months time. Will let u know (with photos) then....
Reply or Post a new comment
13 Oct 17, kim (Australia - temperate climate)
This is my second year of growing Yukon I was just wondering if anybody knows if I can leave them into the ground to store the fruit for a few months like a potato thank you
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 61 - 70 of 214 comments
See comments for all plants

Hi Jim I am in Hobart and have some growing. I have happy to share some if you can let me know by email where you are.

- David Donald

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.