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Holly's Homestead — Root Vegetable

Yacon

Smallanthus sonchifolius · Daisy family
DIFFICULTY Moderate
TYPE Perennial tuber, grown as annual in cool zones
MATURITY 180–210 days
Sun
Full sun
Water
Regular
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
60–90cm
Depth
5–8cm

01Sweet, crunchy storage roots

Yacon produces two kinds of underground growth: small rhizomes for replanting near the crown, and large, sweet storage roots further out — dig carefully to find both.

02Planting

Method
Plant divisions/rhizomes with a growing bud.
Soil
Rich, well-drained, high organic matter.
Timing
Plant in spring once frost risk has passed.

03Growing care

  • Water regularly through the growing season.
  • Feed with compost mid-season.
  • Stake tall plants in windy spots — they can reach 2m.
  • Leave in the ground until after the first light frost for best sweetness.

04Problems

  • Slugs and snails — on new shoots; hand-pick.
  • Frost damage to foliage — normal, harvest roots after this happens.
  • Poor root size — nutrient-poor soil; feed generously.
  • Few other pest issues — a relatively trouble-free crop.

05Harvest & storage

Signs
After the first frost blackens the foliage.
Method
Dig carefully — roots grow large and can extend some distance from the crown.
Curing
Leave roots in the sun for a few days after digging to boost sweetness.
Storage
Cool, dark spot; keeps for months, sweetening further in storage.

06Companions & rotation

Plant nearby
CornBeans
Avoid nearby
None major
Rotation note
Not applicable in most home settings — treat similarly to potato rotation.