Yacon
Smallanthus sonchifolius
Also listed as Polymnia sonchifolia, Polymnia edulis
Climate Match for your location
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A South American perennial herb grown for its edible, crisp tubers with a sweet, apple-like flavor. Dies back seasonally and produces tuberous roots that can be harvested in autumn.
Why grow it
Yacon offers a winter root crop option in zones where sweet potato or Jerusalem artichoke might not thrive, with the advantage of less starch and a crisper texture than either. The plant tolerates partial shade better than most root crops and produces edible tubers without requiring the long, hot growing season that potato or yam demand. Its perennial root system can persist through mild winters in favorable climates, reducing replanting labor.
Watch out for
Tuber quality and yield depend strongly on adequate moisture during the growing season, so consistent watering is necessary in drier climates. The plant's preference for cooler fall conditions means that in very hot regions, harvest timing becomes critical to achieve good sweetness and texture. Rodents may damage stored tubers, requiring proper post-harvest storage management.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native Range
Andes Mountains, South America
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A South American perennial herb grown for its edible, crisp tubers with a sweet, apple-like flavor. Dies back seasonally and produces tuberous roots that can be harvested in autumn.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Yacon grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Yacon offers a winter root crop option in zones where sweet potato or Jerusalem artichoke might not thrive, with the advantage of less starch and a crisper texture than either. The plant tolerates partial shade better than most root crops and produces edible tubers without requiring the long, hot growing season that potato or yam demand. Its perennial root system can persist through mild winters in favorable climates, reducing replanting labor.
Watch out for
Tuber quality and yield depend strongly on adequate moisture during the growing season, so consistent watering is necessary in drier climates. The plant's preference for cooler fall conditions means that in very hot regions, harvest timing becomes critical to achieve good sweetness and texture. Rodents may damage stored tubers, requiring proper post-harvest storage management.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native Range
Andes Mountains, South America
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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