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

13 Mar 18, Rachel Rushton (Australia - temperate climate)
I ordered some Yams which arrived about 3mnths ago. I have put them in the fridge until I found out when was the best time to plant them. We are on the Gold Coast. Many Thanks Rachel Rushton
19 Jan 18, Rachel Rushton (Australia - temperate climate)
I ordered & received some Yams this week & wondered when is the best time to plant them. We are on the Gold Coast. Many thanks Rachel Rushton
20 Jan 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You really are sub-tropical not temperate - it runs all the way down the coast to Sydney, unless you are in the mountains in from the coast. This website says plant by the end of November. It also says grows like potatoes. - a good time to grow potatoes in this ZONE is plant April/May. Try then.
16 Oct 17, Deana weston (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Is there anyone that has any yam plants for sale or seeds. Or does anyone know where to buy them from regards Deana weston
01 Nov 17, Simone Wright (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have some you can have if you pay for postage
04 Dec 17, leonie mason (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I would like some if they are still available Happy to pay postage I am aware it's almost too late seasonally.But I have a warm spot for them Thanks Leonie
13 Jun 17, Judy Hogg (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I've dug most of my yams so the grass grubs don't feast on them. I've cleaned and dried them. How can I now store them so they don't wither?
15 Jun 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Store them in damp sand in a cool dark place. The damp sand (not too damp) will stop them from withering and the cool dark spot will stop them from sprouting for quite a while.
05 Jun 17, pati (USA - Zone 5a climate)
will these grow in Michigan
09 Jun 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Yams/oka need about 5 months to grow before harvesting. They can be planted when the soil reaches about 17 degrees C (a bit over 60 degrees). if you can fit these requirements you should be right. Harvest them after the leaves have started to die down to give them the most opportunity to make size.
Showing 61 - 70 of 181 comments

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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.
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