Growing Yacon, also Sunroot

Smallanthus sonchifolius : Asteraceae / the daisy family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec

Not recommended for growing in USA - Zone 5a regions

  • Easy to grow. Plant sprouting root/tuber to a depth of about 4cm and mulch to cover. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 39 inches apart
  • Harvest in approximately 25 weeks. You can collect a few at a time without digging out the whole plant..
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Best in separate bed

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
11 Apr 21, Guisella Tesoro (Canada - Zone 7b Mild Temperate climate)
Looking for starter for Yacon. I grew it in Peru and was a wonderful crop to have! Any leads?
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Dec 21, FaithCeleste Archer (Canada - Zone 7b Mild Temperate climate)
Cultivariable - https://www.cultivariable.com/ is a good starting point.
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Jan 22, Celeste Archer (Canada - Zone 7b Mild Temperate climate)
Any idea where I might get yacon seeds in Canada or abroad (mail order) - thanks.
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Apr 21, Anonymous (Canada - zone 4a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Try internet seed selling websites.
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Mar 21, Cattleya MacGavin (Australia - temperate climate)
My friend’s yacons are flowering everywhere and my - not even a bud, same as last year. What have I done wrong.
Reply or Post a new comment
29 Mar 21, (Australia - temperate climate)
Maybe too much fertiliser and are they in full sun or shade.
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Mar 21, Sue (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Is it too late to plant my yakons now. How do I keep the plants alive if it is too late
Reply or Post a new comment
26 Aug 24, Angela (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
No, it’s just the right time to plant the rhizomes or plants. I have some if you need them. I’ll have to find out how much postage. I live in the Bay of Islands.
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Apr 21, GM (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Just doing some research myself, and I found this comment on the Koanga website - https://www.koanga.org.nz/yacon/
Reply or Post a new comment
19 Feb 21, Pat (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Will yacon roots be safe underneath the ground in the winter and be able to regrow again in spring in zone 7a? (Is it Perennial in zone 7a?) Thank you. Pat
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 41 - 50 of 360 comments
See comments for all plants

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Yacon

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.