Growing Yam/Oca, also Oka

Oxalis tuberosa : Oxalidaceae / the wood sorrel family

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

(Best months for growing Yam/Oca in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • P = Plant tubers
  • Plant tubers about 5cm (1.5") deep covered with soil. Best planted at soil temperatures between 63°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 12 - 18 inches apart
  • Harvest in 15-20 weeks. Leave in the ground until foliage has completely died down so tubers reach maximum size.
  • 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 USA | for all countries
19 Jan 09, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
As an ex Kiwi I too despaired of ever tasting NZ Yams again Last year I was able to source some seed from another exkiwi and have a few growing very wellwith very healthy topsbut didnt know one had to mound them up like spudsI may have enough of a crop to supply some seed but we`ll just have to wait and see
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Oct 08, jacki wright (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I too am hunting for nz yam tubers or seeds with no luck at all. Green harvest do not have them this year. We kiwis love this!
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Oct 08, halapolo hola (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
i would like to know the different types of yams and how you look after them with the insect and disease and the grubs. please to the above email address.
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Sep 08, Kate (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Yams can be obtained on a very limited basis from; Green Harvest PO Box 92 Maleny Qld 4552 Australia 1800 681014
Reply or Post a new comment
17 Aug 08, shelley tee (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I am desparate to buy beg or even borrow some yams to grow,will pay postage and small sum.I am in a frost zone for the first time in 24 years, and remember our yams in NZ were left in until the frost sweetened the tuber.My email is [email protected] thank you
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 141 - 145 of 145 comments
See comments for all plants

Hello can you grow Oca in the tropics maybe during the cooler drieronths? No frost up here, just concerned about planting in the wet season as its ver hot 35 degrees plus most days.

- Hayley

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.