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

30 May 14, Travis (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi just wondering when i should plant my yams, i live in lakes entrance victoria, cheers.
16 May 14, Michael Sellings (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi John, I realise the forum i have been looking at was posted during 2012 but I have a client who wishes to grow Yams in melbourne. I have looked at the growing conditions required and now would like to check out possible sources. Thank you Michael
28 Mar 14, TRICIA.BAMBU (Australia - temperate climate)
WHERE DO YAMS ORIGINATE?
15 Mar 14, Anne Brignall (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi John we got some Yams from you about 18 months ago, and didn't have much success the first year they were in but we tried again and this year have been rewarded by some fantastic growth from the yams, so cannot wait till it is time to dig them out of the ground. We planted in two different places, to see which grew best, and both this year have taken off. :-)
10 Mar 14, Delia (Australia - temperate climate)
I am wondering if you mean okra. I bought seeds at Bunnings late last year.
04 Jul 13, yvonne o conor (Australia - temperate climate)
I'm not in any of the above locations. I'm in Ireland (temperate) and got a present of some Oka tubers last Christmas.--- I hadn't a clue what they were,but since they were tubers (I didn't have a clue what kind of tubers), I waited for them to sprout - as I would with potatoes - and then planted them in 2ltr pots and have been earthing them up as they grow. Will I transfer them to the ground? When? If I get a crop, what's the best way to cook them?
02 Jul 13, Robyn (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I have just bought some tubers and am wondering when to plant them in the Newcastle area in NSW.
03 Jul 13, john studte (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Robyn.They will let you know when to plant by sprouting. No need until then.Just keep them dry until then. John.
17 Jun 13, john studte (Australia - temperate climate)
YES!! I still have plenty of tubers available. [email protected]
30 May 13, john studte (Australia - temperate climate)
Yam tubers now available.Contact John at [email protected] Devonport Tasmania
Showing 61 - 70 of 145 comments

Where can I get plants or seeds to grow Oca in NY State Glenda

- Glenda

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.