Sweet Underground Roots
Produces large, crisp storage roots with a naturally sweet flavor and juicy texture.
Yacon Plant Seeds for Sale
Suitable for home gardening use
Regular price
Rs. 17.24 INR
Sale price
Rs. 17.24 INR
Regular price
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Product description
Yacon Plant Seeds
Yacon, scientifically known as Smallanthus sonchifolius, is an unusual root vegetable native to the Andean region of South America. Also called Peruvian Ground Apple, it is recognized for its tall leafy growth, sunflower-like yellow flowers, and large underground storage roots. The roots have a naturally sweet, crisp texture and can be enjoyed fresh or cooked. Yacon is suitable for home vegetable gardens, edible landscapes, and spacious raised beds. It prefers fertile, well-drained soil, consistent moisture, and a long growing season.
Peruvian Ground Apple
Edible Root Vegetable
Sweet Storage Roots
Andean Vegetable Plant
Key Features
Tall Leafy Growth
Develops upright stems with broad green leaves, creating an attractive appearance in vegetable gardens.
Yellow Sunflower-Like Flowers
Can produce small yellow flower heads during the flowering period, adding ornamental interest.
Edible Garden Crop
Suitable for home food gardens where underground roots can develop in loose, fertile soil.
Product Highlights
Botanical name Smallanthus sonchifolius
Also called Peruvian Ground Apple
Native to the Andean region
Produces sweet underground roots
Broad green ornamental foliage
Small yellow sunflower-like flowers
Suitable for edible home gardens
Prefers fertile, moisture-retentive soil
Specifications
| Scientific Name | Smallanthus sonchifolius |
| Common Name | Yacon; Peruvian Ground Apple; Bolivian Sunroot |
| Plant Family | Asteraceae |
| Seed Type | Edible Root Vegetable Seeds |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial root vegetable |
| Growth Habit | Upright, tall, leafy growth |
| Root Type | Fleshy underground storage roots |
| Flower Color | Yellow to orange-yellow |
| Foliage | Broad, green leaves |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | Varies with climate; generally grown as an annual in areas with frost |
| Planting Season | Spring, after the danger of frost has passed |
| Growing Season | Spring through fall |
| Sowing Season | Spring to early summer |
| Sowing Months | March to June, depending on local climate |
| Seed Planting Depth | Approximately 1/2 to 1 inch, subject to seed viability and supplier instructions |
| Germination Time | Variable and potentially prolonged; reliable species-specific timing is not established |
| Germination Temperature | Warm conditions; approximately 27–32°C can be used as a starting point for trials |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Requirements | Fertile, loose, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil |
| Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral soil is suitable |
| Watering | Regular watering to maintain consistent soil moisture |
| Plant Spacing | Approximately 24–36 inches, depending on growing conditions |
| Days to Harvest | Approximately 5–8 months, depending on climate and growing conditions |
| Propagation | Primarily through crown rhizomes or corms; true seed propagation is possible but uncommon |
| Growing Locations | Home vegetable gardens, raised beds, and suitable large garden spaces |
Growing Guide
Step 1: Check Your Planting Material
Confirm whether your package contains true Yacon seeds or crown rhizomes. Yacon is commonly propagated through crown divisions, while true seeds are less common and can have irregular germination.
Confirm whether your package contains true Yacon seeds or crown rhizomes. Yacon is commonly propagated through crown divisions, while true seeds are less common and can have irregular germination.
Step 2: Prepare the Growing Location
Select a sunny garden location with enough room for the plant to develop. Prepare loose, fertile soil enriched with compost and ensure good drainage for underground root development.
Select a sunny garden location with enough room for the plant to develop. Prepare loose, fertile soil enriched with compost and ensure good drainage for underground root development.
Step 3: Plant the Seeds or Crown Divisions
If using verified viable seeds, follow the supplier's sowing instructions and maintain warm, moist conditions. If using crown divisions, plant healthy pieces with visible growing buds in suitable prepared soil.
If using verified viable seeds, follow the supplier's sowing instructions and maintain warm, moist conditions. If using crown divisions, plant healthy pieces with visible growing buds in suitable prepared soil.
Step 4: Maintain Consistent Moisture
Water regularly throughout the growing season. Yacon develops well when the soil remains consistently moist, but avoid prolonged waterlogging around the roots.
Water regularly throughout the growing season. Yacon develops well when the soil remains consistently moist, but avoid prolonged waterlogging around the roots.
Step 5: Allow Underground Roots to Develop
Give the plant enough time to develop its leafy growth and underground storage roots. Remove competing weeds and maintain suitable growing conditions throughout the season.
Give the plant enough time to develop its leafy growth and underground storage roots. Remove competing weeds and maintain suitable growing conditions throughout the season.
Step 6: Harvest the Yacon Roots
Harvest when the plant reaches maturity and its above-ground growth begins to decline, usually toward the end of the growing season. Carefully lift the root cluster to avoid breaking the storage roots. Keep the crown sections separate if you intend to propagate plants for the next season.
Harvest when the plant reaches maturity and its above-ground growth begins to decline, usually toward the end of the growing season. Carefully lift the root cluster to avoid breaking the storage roots. Keep the crown sections separate if you intend to propagate plants for the next season.
Grow an Unusual Root Vegetable with Yacon
Yacon is an interesting addition to home vegetable gardens, combining tall leafy growth with underground storage roots that have a naturally sweet and crisp texture. Its yellow flowers and distinctive growth habit also make it suitable for edible garden displays. Provide fertile soil, regular moisture, and a sufficiently long growing season to support healthy plant development. Before planting, confirm whether your Yacon package contains true seeds or vegetative planting material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn about Yacon seed germination, edible storage roots, and harvesting this unusual South American vegetable.
Can Yacon be grown from seeds, or does it need tubers?
Yacon can grow from true botanical seeds, but seed propagation is uncommon because seed production and germination can be inconsistent. Most gardeners grow Yacon from crown rhizomes containing visible growing buds. The large edible storage roots alone generally cannot produce new shoots without an attached crown section. If purchasing Yacon Seeds, confirm that the product contains genuine, viable botanical seeds rather than edible storage roots or crown pieces.
Are Yacon roots edible, and what do they taste like?
Yes, Yacon produces edible underground storage roots with a crisp, juicy texture and naturally sweet flavor. Fresh roots are often compared to a combination of apple and pear. They can be peeled and eaten raw or used in salads, stir-fries, and other cooked dishes. The roots become sweeter after being harvested and allowed to mature in a suitable storage environment.
When is the right time to harvest Yacon, and how do you store its roots?
Yacon roots are generally harvested toward the end of the growing season, when the foliage begins to decline or is damaged by cooler temperatures. Carefully lift the entire root cluster using a garden fork to reduce damage. Separate the large edible storage roots from the smaller crown rhizomes used for propagation. Allow the edible roots to dry under cover for a short period, then store them in a cool, suitable location. Keep crown rhizomes protected from freezing if you plan to replant them.