When to Plant Yacon in Sydney — Warm Temperate Guide

Yacon

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Yacon (Peruvian ground apple) is an unusual South American root crop producing large, sweet, crunchy tubers that can be eaten raw like fruit. It stores energy as fructooligosaccharides (FOS) rather than starch, making it very low calorie and prebiotic. The plant grows like a sunflower (1.5-2m tall), is virtually pest-free, and produces prolifically. Propagated from rhizomes, not seed.

How to Grow Yacon in Warm Temperate Australia

When to Plant

Start rhizomes indoors August-September. Plant out October-November after frost risk. Top dies back April-May. Harvest May-June.

Soil
Rich, friable, well-drained soil. Grows in a wide range of soils but crops best in deep, fertile loam with plenty of organic matter. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
pH Range
5.5-7.0
Sunlight
Full sun to light shade. Tolerates some shade but yields best in full sun.
Spacing
60cm apart, 90cm between rows
Watering
Water regularly during establishment and dry periods. Yacon is surprisingly drought-tolerant once established but yields more with consistent moisture. Reduce watering after the top growth dies back i

Companion plants: Sunflower, Corn, Jerusalem Artichoke

Avoid planting near: No known antagonisms

Warm Temperate Growing Tips for Yacon

Recommended Varieties

  • Standard yacon

Key Challenges

  • Shorter growing season than subtropics
  • Late frost can kill emerged shoots

Pro Tips

  • Start rhizomes in pots 4-6 weeks before planting out
  • Choose a warm, sheltered position
  • Mulch heavily as autumn approaches to protect tubers

Harvesting Yacon

When ready: Top growth withers and dies back naturally (triggered by shorter days and cooler temperatures). DO NOT harvest early - tubers continue to sweeten as the plant dies back. Wait until ALL foliage is completely dead. This typically takes 6-7 months from planting.

How to harvest: Cut dead stalks to ground level. Use a garden fork inserted 30-40cm from the base. Lift the entire clump carefully. Separate the two types of underground growth: (1) REDDISH RHIZOMES at the crown base - save for replanting; (2) LARGE BROWN TUBERS below - these are for eating. Handle tubers gently as skin is thin. Sun-dry tubers for a few days to sweeten further.

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