Sweet, Crisp Storage Roots
Produces juicy underground storage roots with a refreshing crunch and naturally sweet flavor reminiscent of apple and pear.
Heirloom Yacon Seeds for Sale
Suitable for home gardening use
Regular price
Rs. 17.66 INR
Sale price
Rs. 17.66 INR
Regular price
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Estimated Delivery:Nov 21 - Nov 25
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Product description
Heirloom Yacon Seeds
Heirloom Yacon, scientifically known as Smallanthus sonchifolius, is an unusual Andean root crop valued for its crisp, juicy, naturally sweet underground storage roots. Often called ground apple, Peruvian ground apple, or Yacon, this distinctive plant produces large green foliage and attractive yellow daisy-like flowers. Its edible roots have a refreshing texture and a mild flavor often compared to apple and pear. Yacon is traditionally propagated through crown divisions, although viable seeds can also be used to grow new plants and explore genetic diversity.
Andean Root Vegetable
Heirloom Variety
Sweet Edible Roots
Unique Garden Crop
Key Features
Attractive Green Foliage
Develops large, broad green leaves that create a lush, tropical-looking appearance in suitable vegetable gardens.
Distinctive Yellow Flowers
Can produce small, sunflower-like yellow flower heads that add ornamental interest during the growing season.
Unusual Andean Crop
A traditional South American root vegetable that offers an interesting alternative to commonly grown garden crops.
Product Highlights
Traditional Andean root vegetable
Botanical name Smallanthus sonchifolius
Produces naturally sweet storage roots
Crisp and juicy edible root texture
Commonly known as ground apple
Large, attractive green leaves
Yellow daisy-like flower heads
Suitable for vegetable gardens
Can be grown in suitable containers
Seed propagation is possible
Specifications
| Scientific Name | Smallanthus sonchifolius |
| Common Name | Yacon, Ground Apple, Peruvian Ground Apple |
| Plant Family | Asteraceae (Sunflower Family) |
| Seed Type | Heirloom Vegetable Seeds |
| Plant Category | Edible Root Vegetable |
| Origin | Andean region of South America |
| Growth Habit | Large, upright herbaceous perennial |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Edible Part | Underground storage roots |
| Root Characteristics | Crisp, juicy, mildly sweet storage roots |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | Generally grown as a warm-season crop; frost tolerance is limited |
| Planting Season | Spring or the beginning of a suitable frost-free growing season |
| Seed Starting | Start in seed trays or small pots using a suitable seed-starting medium |
| Germination Time | Variable; seed germination can be slow and irregular |
| Germination Temperature | Around 25–32°C (77–90°F) can be used as a starting range |
| Sunlight | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Requirements | Fertile, loose, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil |
| Watering | Regular watering to maintain consistent soil moisture |
| Mature Plant Size | Approximately 1.5–2.5 metres, depending on growing conditions |
| Plant Spacing | Allow approximately 60–100 cm between plants where space permits |
| Harvesting | Harvest storage roots when the growing season is sufficiently mature and the foliage begins to decline |
| Propagation Method | Seeds, crown divisions, and stem cuttings |
Growing Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Seeds
Select healthy, mature Yacon seeds from a reliable supplier. Yacon seeds can have variable germination rates, so sowing fresh, viable seeds is recommended. Lightly scarifying the seed coat may help some seeds germinate, but take care not to damage the seed.
Select healthy, mature Yacon seeds from a reliable supplier. Yacon seeds can have variable germination rates, so sowing fresh, viable seeds is recommended. Lightly scarifying the seed coat may help some seeds germinate, but take care not to damage the seed.
Step 2: Sow the Seeds
Fill seed trays or small pots with a fine, well-draining seed-starting mixture. Sow the seeds shallowly, cover them lightly with growing medium, and maintain consistent moisture. A warm environment can help encourage germination.
Fill seed trays or small pots with a fine, well-draining seed-starting mixture. Sow the seeds shallowly, cover them lightly with growing medium, and maintain consistent moisture. A warm environment can help encourage germination.
Step 3: Provide Warmth and Light
Place the seed trays in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Germination can be irregular, so avoid discarding seed trays too early. Keep the growing medium moist without allowing excess water to accumulate.
Place the seed trays in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Germination can be irregular, so avoid discarding seed trays too early. Keep the growing medium moist without allowing excess water to accumulate.
Step 4: Transplant the Seedlings
Once seedlings develop several sets of true leaves and become strong enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots or prepared garden beds. Choose a sunny location with fertile soil and sufficient room for root development.
Once seedlings develop several sets of true leaves and become strong enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots or prepared garden beds. Choose a sunny location with fertile soil and sufficient room for root development.
Step 5: Maintain and Harvest
Water regularly, control weeds, and provide suitable growing conditions throughout the season. Allow sufficient time for underground storage roots to develop. Harvest carefully when the plant reaches maturity and its foliage begins to decline. Separate the crown from the edible roots if you want to preserve planting material for another season.
Water regularly, control weeds, and provide suitable growing conditions throughout the season. Allow sufficient time for underground storage roots to develop. Harvest carefully when the plant reaches maturity and its foliage begins to decline. Separate the crown from the edible roots if you want to preserve planting material for another season.
Grow Something Different with Heirloom Yacon
Bring a unique Andean vegetable into your garden with Heirloom Yacon. Known for its crisp, juicy, naturally sweet storage roots, lush green foliage, and unusual growing characteristics, Yacon offers an exciting gardening experience. With warm growing conditions, fertile soil, and consistent moisture, you can enjoy cultivating this distinctive root crop in your home vegetable garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about Heirloom Yacon seeds, growing conditions, edible roots, and harvesting.
What does Yacon taste like, and how are its roots eaten?
Yacon roots have a crisp, juicy texture and a naturally sweet flavor often compared to apples, pears, and jicama. They can be peeled and eaten raw, sliced into salads, added to fruit dishes, or cooked in different recipes. Their refreshing texture makes them an interesting addition to homegrown vegetables.
Can Yacon be successfully grown from seeds?
Yes, Yacon can be grown from viable botanical seeds, although seed propagation is less common than growing plants from crown divisions or rhizomes. Germination can be irregular, and some seeds may not be viable. Use fresh, mature seeds, maintain warm and moist conditions, and allow additional time for slower seeds to germinate. Seed-grown plants may also differ from their parent plants.
How long does Yacon take to produce edible storage roots?
Yacon generally needs a long, frost-free growing season to develop well-sized storage roots. Depending on the variety, climate, and planting method, harvesting may take approximately 6–9 months. Plants grown from seeds may develop more slowly than plants started from established crown divisions. Harvest when the foliage begins to decline and the storage roots have matured.