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

09 Mar 19, Khalid Cooke (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I looking to grow some NZ yams or oca this year, some Im looking to get my hands on some seeds. A cost would be great and postage as I live in Tasmania. Cheers.
07 Jul 19, Sandy (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I live in the north of Tassie. I got mine from Allen’s garden centre in Prospect, L’ton. Had no problems growing them. Just dug mine up this morning. Hope this helps.
12 Mar 19, Bincy Philip (Australia - temperate climate)
I saw some of those plants (NZ Yam/oca) at Salamanca Market when we visited Tasmania in January. It is worth checking.
06 Oct 18, Kaye Arnott (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Are the little pink yams grown like sweet potatoes which I've grown commercially ..And can the yam be cut like a sweet potato to create a new plant?
07 Oct 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You can only try. They plant sweet potatoes here in SE QLD with slips. 50-60mm lengths of the vine when the plants are about 6-8 weeks old. They plant from one crop to start another and the cycle goes on and on.
27 Jun 18, Melinda (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi - just wondered when it is right or if it is right to plant and grow yams in Goulburn, NSW, esp in the middle of Winter (heavy frosts, freezing conditions). Thanks!
29 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - temperate climate)
Melinda , Read the notes - it is all there. Try Temperate and Cool /Mountain climates. A BIG HINT - when to plant and when to harvest.
23 Jun 18, Amanda (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I live in Mildura vic Australia is it possible to grow yam here, as we have just moved here... Thank you
25 May 19, Cheryl (Australia - temperate climate)
.i'm wondering if Amanda tried growing yams and if so can l get some tubers or buy some yams .l live in mildura too .
28 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - temperate climate)
It does say plant (P) Oct to Nov for Temperate climate.
Showing 31 - 40 of 145 comments

Jane: You can buy oca in the USA at www.cultivariable.com. Delia: Okra, the edible pod, is Abelmoschus esculentus. Oca, a tuber, is Oxalis tuberosa. In Australia, you might be more familiar with it under the name "New Zealand Yam".

- Bill W.

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.