Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius)

SO easy to grow – this delicious root crop is edible landscaping at its finest. Produces numerous crisp tubers similar to jicama but with a sweeter, tastier, apple/pear-like flavour & each one can weigh up to 2kg. 

In Summer it produces a up to 2m tall flower stalks topped with a loose cluster of yellow sunfloweresque blooms. Once flowering has ended and the leaves begin to wilt, cut it back and harvest your tasty treasures! 

Eating the tubers supposedly provides many health benefits - weight loss, controlling insulin levels, aiding in digestion and  it’s high in antioxidants. More than anything, though, it’s just plain yummy in salad or eating raw. Try growing in a large container for easy harvest. Re-plant the rhizomes to start anew for next year.

Plant Care

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, high organic matter soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0.
• Watering: Water regularly to maintain moist soil, especially during dry periods.
• Temperature: Thrives in cooler climates but tolerates up to 25°C.
• Light: Full sun to partial shade.
• Fertilising: Use a low-nitrogen, high-potassium and phosphorus fertilizer like 5-10-10 every three months during active growth.
• Pruning: Not typically required except to remove old, spent foliage.
• Mulching: Mulch to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
• Pest Control: Watch for slugs and root rot in overly wet conditions.
• Flowering and Fruiting: Flowers in late summer, but the tubers are the primary harvest, collected in the fall.
• Potting: Can be grown in containers, but large ones are needed to accommodate the root system.
• Feeding Regime: Focus on potassium and phosphorus to support tuber formation.