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

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
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!
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.
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
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
Showing 141 - 145 of 145 comments

My first attempt to cultivate yams has resulted in no tubers at all even though the tops grew well and died down Why did I not get any tubers?????

- Rob

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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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