Ruqayyah Snyder
Yacon, also known as Peruvian Ground Apple, is a native South American vegetable that is easy to grow in Australia. With health benefits ranging from aiding gut health to reducing blood pressure, yacon is a nutritious food with a unique taste and texture. This vegetable can be planted all year round in frost-free areas and is drought-tolerant and pest-free. In this guide, we will explore the process of growing yacon in Australia, from preparing the soil to harvesting and storing the yield. We will also discuss the various common names of yacon and its culinary uses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Smallanthus sonchifolius |
| Common Names | Sweet-root, Peruvian ground apple, strawberry jicama, Bolivian sunroot, llacon, groundpear, pear of the earth |
| Planting | Cover a large rhizome with soil to a depth of 3-4cm and mulch well |
| Soil Type | Grows well in poor soils but crops best in rich, friable, well-drained soil |
| Soil Temperature | Between 10°C and 25°C |
| Spacing | Space plants at least 0.5 metres apart |
| Harvest Time | Approximately 25 weeks (6-7 months) |
| Height | Up to 2 metres |
| Flowers | Small, daisy-like yellow flowers |
| Taste | Appealing crunchy crispness, similar to apple and watermelon, with overtones of sugarcane |
| Health Benefits | High in potassium, suitable for type 2 diabetics, gut-boosting superfood |
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What You'll Learn
Yacon's ideal growing conditions
Yacon, also known as Peruvian Ground Apple, is a hardy, herbaceous perennial that is native to Colombia and Ecuador. It is a member of the sunflower family and can grow up to 2 metres in height. It produces two types of underground tubers: reddish rhizomes and larger brown tubers. The reddish rhizomes are mainly used for propagation, while the brown tubers are primarily consumed.
When growing Yacon, it is essential to provide well-drained, rich, and friable soil. Prepare the soil by loosening it with a fork and mixing in compost. Yacon can be planted all year round in frost-free areas, and it is day-length neutral. It is drought-tolerant and pest-free. The ideal soil temperature for planting is between 10°C and 25°C. Cover the rhizome with soil to a depth of about 3-4 cm and mulch well. Yacon requires ample space, so ensure the plants are spaced at least 0.5 metres apart.
Yacon grows well in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It thrives in warm subtropical climates but can be grown as an annual in cooler temperate regions. In these cooler regions, it is recommended to plant Yacon in the spring in a frost-free area. Yacon is a fast-growing plant and reaches maturity in about 6-7 months.
Harvesting typically occurs when the top growth withers and dies back, usually between May and July. The main harvest should take place once all the top growth is dead, as the tubers continue to sweeten as the plant dies back. The brown tubers are washed, dried in the sun, and then stored in a cool, dark, and dry place. The reddish rhizomes, on the other hand, are kept in a slightly damp, dark, and dry place for replanting.
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Where to buy yacon plants and seeds
Yacon, also known as Peruvian Ground Apple, is a sweet-tasting root vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked. It is native to South America and has been cultivated for thousands of years. In Australia, yacon plants and seeds can be purchased from various online and local nurseries.
One popular source for yacon plants is Daley's Fruit Tree Nursery, which offers yacon plants for sale on its website. Daley's Fruit Tree Nursery has a variety of yacon plants available, including the Apple of the Earth (Smallanthus sonchifolius) variety. This nursery offers a convenient way to purchase yacon plants online and have them delivered to your doorstep.
Another option for purchasing yacon plants and seeds in Australia is through Gumtree Australia. Gumtree is an online classifieds platform where individuals and businesses can sell a variety of items, including plants and seeds. A quick search on the website may yield several listings for yacon seedlings, rhizomes, or seeds offered by local sellers. It is important to note that when buying through Gumtree, the quality and health of the plants may vary, and it is essential to check the seller's reputation and reviews before making a purchase.
Additionally, local garden centres and nurseries in your area may also stock yacon plants. It is worth visiting these establishments and inquiring about their availability. Some nurseries may specialise in rare or exotic plants, and they can be a great source for yacon plants or provide guidance on where to find them.
Lastly, online gardening stores, such as Green Gardener and The Lost Seed, can also be excellent sources for purchasing yacon plants and seeds in Australia. These websites offer a convenient way to shop for gardening supplies and often provide detailed growing guides and tips for various plants, including yacon.
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How to plant yacon
Yacon, also known as Peruvian Ground Apple, is a hardy, herbaceous perennial native to Colombia and Ecuador. It is a member of the sunflower family and can grow up to 2 metres in height. It produces two types of underground tubers: reddish rhizomes, which are used for propagation, and larger brown tubers, which are mainly eaten.
When planting yacon, start with a large rhizome that has several sprouts. Prepare the soil by loosening it with a fork and working in compost. Cover the rhizome with soil to a depth of about 3-4 cm and mulch well. Yacon will grow up through the mulch, and little weeding is needed due to the dense shade created by its huge leaves. Yacon grows best in rich, friable, well-drained soil and can be planted all year round in frost-free areas. It is drought-tolerant and pest-free. In cold areas, the rhizomes can be started in styrofoam boxes in a greenhouse or on a warm verandah and planted outdoors once the frost has passed. Space the plants at least 0.5 metres apart as they grow large and vigorous.
Yacon takes about 6-7 months to reach maturity. After flowering, the top growth withers and dies back, and the tubers can be harvested. The main harvest should take place once all the top growth is dead, between May and July. The brown tubers are washed, dried in the sun, and stored in a dry, cool, dark place. The reddish rhizomes are kept out of the sun and covered with slightly damp sand, sawdust, or cocopeat to prevent them from drying out. They are stored in a dark, dry place and used for replanting.
Yacon is a nutritious vegetable, low in calories and high in potassium. The sugar in its leaves is in the form of inulin, making it suitable for type 2 diabetics. The seeds can also be used as an anti-parasitic supplement for humans and livestock.
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How to care for yacon plants
Yacon, also known as Peruvian Ground Apple, is a hardy perennial that is native to South America. It is a member of the sunflower family and can grow up to 2 metres in height. The plant produces two types of underground tubers: reddish rhizomes and larger brown tubers. The reddish rhizomes are mainly used for propagation, while the brown tubers are typically eaten. Yacon is easy to grow and can be planted all year round in frost-free areas. Here are some tips on how to care for yacon plants:
Soil Preparation: Yacon grows well in rich, friable, and well-drained soil. Prepare the soil by loosening it with a fork and working in compost. Ensure the soil temperature is between 10°C and 25°C before planting.
Planting: Cover a large rhizome with several sprouts with soil to a depth of 3-4 cm. Space the plants at least 0.5 metres apart as they grow large and vigorous. Mulch well, and yacon will grow through the mulch, similar to potatoes.
Watering and Weeding: Yacon appears to be drought-tolerant and requires little weeding due to the dense shade created by its huge leaves. However, ensure the soil is well-drained and moist, not waterlogged.
Harvesting: Yacon takes about 6-7 months to reach maturity. Harvest the tubers when the top growth withers and dies back, usually between May and July. Separate the reddish rhizomes from the brown tubers and wash off any soil. Be careful not to break the skin of the tubers.
Storage: The brown tubers can be washed, dried in the sun for up to 2 weeks, and then stored in a cool, dark, and dry place. The reddish rhizomes should be kept out of direct sunlight and covered with slightly damp sand, sawdust, or cocopeat. Store them in a dark, dry place until it's time to replant.
Yacon is a nutritious and tasty addition to any garden, with tubers that have a crunchy, sweet crispness resembling apple and melon. With proper care and attention, your yacon plants will thrive and provide you with a bountiful harvest.
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How to harvest yacon
Yacon is a hardy, attractive herbaceous perennial that yields a large harvest of tubers. The plant takes 6-7 months to reach maturity. The best time to harvest yacon is between May and July, depending on the mildness of the winter. The main harvest should only take place once all the top growth is dead. You can also collect a few tubers at a time without digging out the whole plant.
When harvesting, separate the reddish rhizomes from the tubers and wash off any soil, taking care not to break the skin. The brown tubers are dried in the sun and then stored. The reddish rhizomes are kept out of the sun and covered with slightly damp sand, sawdust, or coco peat to prevent them from drying out. Put them aside for replanting in a dark, dry place.
If you want to cure the tubers, dig them up on a sunny day, ideally with a couple of days of sun and no rain or overcast weather. Brush the soil off the tubers with your hands, but do not wash them. Lay them out in the sun to dry. Turn them once the top is dry. Store the cured and dry tubers in a cold, dry place.
When you lift the yacon plants to harvest the tubers, cut the stems back to about 10 cm long. Store the crowns covered in damp compost in a cool, frost-free place where they won't dry out. In early spring, plant the crowns into large pots and wait for shoots to start growing from each small tuber. Split the crowns into individual shoots with their tubers attached and plant them into smaller pots.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy yacon plants at Daley's nursery online. However, they are popular, so you should grab them when you see them in stock.
Yacon can be planted all year round in frost-free areas. The best soil temperature for planting is between 10°C and 25°C.
Yacon takes 6-7 months to reach maturity. Harvesting can begin when all the top growth is dead, between May and July.
