Ulluco does not commonly set seed. Germination and transplanting conditions are not well known.
Ulluco is almost always grown from tubers.
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.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.
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.
These estimates for how long Ulluco takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.
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Olluco, Melloco, Papa Lisa
Basella tuberosa