How to grow Ulluco

Ullucus tuberosus

Growing Ulluco from seed

Ulluco does not commonly set seed. Germination and transplanting conditions are not well known.

Ulluco is almost always grown from tubers.

Transplanting Ulluco

Tubers benefit from starting early (March in the northern hemisphere) and transplanting out once risk of frost has passed. They can also be planted directly, at a depth of about 5cm, but can take a long time to sprout in cool soil.

Ensure that temperatures are mild (minimum night temperatures should be around 10°C / 50°F) and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Ulluco is a tender plant.

Harvesting Ulluco

Doesn’t begin to form tubers until after the fall equinox and may require as much as five months for tubers to reach maximum size (February in the northern hemisphere). In most of North America and Europe, plants will be killed by frost before maximum yield is achieved. Extending the season by planting in containers or using frost shields can help to produce a better harvest. Two months of growth following the fall equinox should be considered the minimum to produce a reasonable food crop.

Seed Saving Ulluco

Conditions for seed production are not well known. It appears that a mild, moist climate may be a requirement. Seeds were produced in 2013 during a period where the daytime high temperature did not exceed 21 degrees C and humidity averaged 85%. The varieties Pica de Pulga and BK10425.2 have been observed to produce seed.

How long does Ulluco take to grow?

These estimates for how long Ulluco takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

Days to Germination How long does it take Ulluco to germinate?
days

Average days | Min days | Max days (0)

Days to Transplant How long until I can plant out Ulluco?
+ days

Average days | Min days | Max days (0)

Days to Maturity How long until Ulluco is ready for harvest / bloom?
+ 270 days

Average 270 days | Min days | Max days (0)

Total Growing Days How long does it take to grow Ulluco?
= days

Ulluco Etymology

The botanical epithet is from the Latin tuberosus meaning “tuberous”

Other names for Ulluco

Olluco, Melloco, Papa Lisa

Basella tuberosa

Footnotes


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