Will benefit from staking in windy areas.
Yacon is generally grown from propagative tubers rather than seed. Seed can be started using the same method that you would for sunflower.
In mild climates, propagules can be left in the ground over the winter. Otherwise, they can be stored indoors in a cool, dry spot and planted out in spring once risk of frost has passed.
Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Yakon is a tender plant.Plants will generally continue to grow until killed by frost, so harvest is best delayed as long as possible. Two types of tubers are produced: smaller, irregular shaped propagules that can be used to start new plants and large cylindrical storage tubers that are eaten.
This plant is ready for harvest after the rhizomes at the top of the plant die and fall back. At this point the tuber is ready to be eaten.1
Two varieties are required to produce seed. Seed matures slowly and a long season may be required to save seed successfully.
These estimates for how long Yakon takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.
Average days | Min days | Max days (0)
Average days | Min days | Max days (0)
Average days | Min days | Max days (0)
The leaves of yakon should only be used in teas as they have been found to be slightly toxic to the kidneys when eaten directly.1
Yacon, sweet-root, Peruvian ground apple, strawberry jicama, Bolivian sunroot, llacon, ground pear, pear of the earth
Polymnia sonchifolia Poeppig & Endl.
1 organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/yacon.html