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 17°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 30 - 45 cm 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

08 Oct 18, Mike (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Too much water probably or maybe some water lying in the top of the plant where it joins the yam - I had this problem with long white radish (Daikin or Japanese radish) in SE Qld this winter. Parsnips - read the notes here - attention to soil type, time to plant and most important keep the soil damp - water 2-3 times a day if hot.. I use a piece of shade cloth over my small seeds until they have germinated and grown a bit. If you have some spare timber make a little structure to nail/clip the shade cloth to. I have 2m x 2m frames that I have bird netting and vegie netting on to keep out birds and bugs. I put the shade cloth over them.
27 Jun 18, Melinda (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi - just wondered when it is right or if it is right to plant and grow yams in Goulburn, NSW, esp in the middle of Winter (heavy frosts, freezing conditions). Thanks!
29 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - temperate climate)
Melinda , Read the notes - it is all there. Try Temperate and Cool /Mountain climates. A BIG HINT - when to plant and when to harvest.
23 Jun 18, Amanda (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I live in Mildura vic Australia is it possible to grow yam here, as we have just moved here... Thank you
25 May 19, Cheryl (Australia - temperate climate)
.i'm wondering if Amanda tried growing yams and if so can l get some tubers or buy some yams .l live in mildura too .
28 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - temperate climate)
It does say plant (P) Oct to Nov for Temperate climate.
29 May 18, Lee (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
So, I have some yams to plant. Earthing up means covering the plants with soil a few times with soil as they grow? O
30 May 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Earthing up means to build the soil up around the plants as they grow. Don't cover the whole plant with soil. Dig a trench about 150mm deep - plant the yams. Then as they grow back fill the soil. Even hill it up when you have back filled to level soil.
16 Apr 18, Sharyn Dunnett (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, How do we go about ordering some seed yams? What's the best time for our area to start planting? We live in Moore Park Beach, just north of Bundaberg. What sort of soil do they grow in? We have sandy loam and grow red sweet potatoes, but would love to try our hand at yams if they grow here. Thank you,
17 Apr 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
In the notes here it says they are grown similar to potatoes which would include Sweet Pots. Look on the internet for sellers. The diggers club or ebay have them. As long as the soil is friable and you add compost/fertiliser etc you can grow most things. A good time to plant potatoes in Bundy is in May so you could plant any time from now. I'm at Coral Cove the other side of Bundy. Mike Logan - phone if you like.
Showing 51 - 60 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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