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 Jun 20, Hayley (Australia - tropical climate)
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.
Reply or Post a new comment
20 Jun 20, Anonymous (Australia - tropical climate)
Look at the notes here regarding planting time and harvest time.
Reply or Post a new comment
17 May 20, Matthew Malcolm (Australia - temperate climate)
looking for some NZ Oka/ yam seed in Tasmania if anyone knows where i could get some
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Jun 22, Lisa (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Malcom, in Tasmania you can usually find oca for sale as providence growers (Salamanca market or roadside stall at Nieka), and sometimes in store when it’s harvest time at hill st, young’s veggie shed and organic grocers.
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Mar 22, Gaye (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
This is the best place I have found - Daleys Fruit https://www.daleysfruit.com.au/search.php?q2=oca
Reply or Post a new comment
19 May 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try on the internet.
Reply or Post a new comment
04 Apr 20, Suzanne Blackwood (Australia - temperate climate)
I am seeking Yellow Yam in Australia. I live in Perth Western Australia. I want to grow the yam for personal use. I think Jamaican Yam is of the plant species in the genus Dioscorea. Are you able to assist please?
Reply or Post a new comment
06 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Check internet seed selling websites.
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Feb 20, Sally (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm in Adelaide S.A when is the best time to plant yams we don't get them here any where so I'm struggling to find information on what month is the best time to plant them I baught some on the internet and they have arrived and I'm storing them in the fridge but I have no other information Gardenate : see /www.gardenate.com/plant/Yam~Oka
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Nov 20, Bridget (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I’m in Adelaide and looking to get some, where did you order them from? Thanks, Bridget
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 11 - 20 of 145 comments
See comments for all plants

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Yam/Oca

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.