Edible Storage Roots
Produces large underground storage roots with crisp, juicy flesh and a naturally sweet, mildly fruity flavor.
Yacon Seeds for Sale
Suitable for home gardening use
Regular price
Rs. 17.32 INR
Sale price
Rs. 17.32 INR
Regular price
Tax included.
-
Estimated Delivery:Nov 22 - Nov 26
-
Free Shipping on All Orders
Product description
Yacon Seeds
Yacon, botanically known as Smallanthus sonchifolius, is an Andean root vegetable grown for its large, crisp, juicy underground storage roots. Also called Peruvian Ground Apple, this unusual plant develops tall leafy stems, broad green foliage, and small yellow-orange sunflower-like flowers. Yacon can be grown in home vegetable gardens and suitable outdoor planting areas. It prefers warm growing conditions, fertile soil, consistent moisture, and a long growing season. Although it can grow from true seeds, propagation is more commonly carried out using divisions of the underground crown.
Peruvian Ground Apple
Edible Root Vegetable
Andean Plant
Sunflower Family
Key Features
Sunflower-Like Flowers
Develops small yellow-orange flowers that resemble miniature sunflower blooms under suitable growing conditions.
Tall Leafy Growth
Forms upright, branching stems with large green leaves that create a substantial garden presence.
Distinctive Andean Vegetable
A traditional South American root crop that adds variety to home vegetable gardens and edible landscapes.
Product Highlights
Scientific name Smallanthus sonchifolius
Commonly called Peruvian Ground Apple
Native to the Andean region
Produces underground storage roots
Crisp and juicy root texture
Yellow-orange ornamental flowers
Tall herbaceous growth habit
Belongs to the sunflower family
Suitable for vegetable gardens
Commonly propagated through crown divisions
Specifications
| Scientific Name | Smallanthus sonchifolius |
| Common Name | Yacon; Yacón; Peruvian Ground Apple |
| Plant Family | Asteraceae |
| Seed Type | Edible Root Vegetable Seeds |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous Perennial Root Vegetable |
| Origin | Andean Region of South America |
| Growth Habit | Tall, upright, branching growth |
| Root Type | Fleshy underground storage roots |
| Root Color | White, cream, yellowish, or purple, depending on variety |
| Flower Color | Yellow to orange-yellow |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | Generally suited to warmer climates; frost-sensitive and requires seasonal protection in colder areas |
| Planting Season | Spring, after the danger of frost has passed |
| Growing Season | Spring through autumn |
| Sowing Season | Spring to early summer |
| Sowing Months | March to June, depending on local climate |
| Seed Starting | Can be started indoors in warm, moist growing medium |
| Seed Germination | Variable and often irregular; seed viability can differ considerably |
| Germination Temperature | Warm conditions; approximately 27–32°C may be used for experimental seed starting |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Requirements | Fertile, loose, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil |
| Watering | Regular watering to maintain consistent soil moisture |
| Mature Plant Height | Approximately 3–7 feet, depending on growing conditions |
| Plant Spacing | Approximately 20–40 inches, depending on variety and growing space |
| Harvesting Season | Autumn to early winter, depending on climate and planting time |
| Propagation Method | True seeds, crown divisions, and stem cuttings |
| Growing Locations | Outdoor vegetable gardens, garden beds, and suitable large growing areas |
Growing Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Seeds
Select mature, viable Yacon seeds from a reliable supplier. Seed germination can be irregular, so use fresh seed when available. Follow the supplier's preparation instructions before sowing.
Select mature, viable Yacon seeds from a reliable supplier. Seed germination can be irregular, so use fresh seed when available. Follow the supplier's preparation instructions before sowing.
Step 2: Prepare the Growing Medium
Choose a fertile, loose, well-drained growing medium enriched with organic matter. Use seed-starting trays or small pots with drainage holes and keep the medium consistently moist.
Choose a fertile, loose, well-drained growing medium enriched with organic matter. Use seed-starting trays or small pots with drainage holes and keep the medium consistently moist.
Step 3: Sow the Seeds
Sow the seeds according to the supplier's recommended depth and maintain warm conditions. Keep the growing medium moist without allowing excessive water accumulation.
Sow the seeds according to the supplier's recommended depth and maintain warm conditions. Keep the growing medium moist without allowing excessive water accumulation.
Step 4: Care for Young Seedlings
Once seedlings emerge, provide sufficient light and moderate moisture. Grow young plants in individual containers until they develop several sets of true leaves.
Once seedlings emerge, provide sufficient light and moderate moisture. Grow young plants in individual containers until they develop several sets of true leaves.
Step 5: Transplant to the Garden
Move established seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Choose a sunny location with fertile soil and sufficient room for the plants to develop their tall stems and underground storage roots.
Move established seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Choose a sunny location with fertile soil and sufficient room for the plants to develop their tall stems and underground storage roots.
Step 6: Maintain Plant Growth
Water regularly, control weeds, and maintain suitable soil moisture throughout the growing season. Protect plants from frost and monitor their development as the storage roots form.
Water regularly, control weeds, and maintain suitable soil moisture throughout the growing season. Protect plants from frost and monitor their development as the storage roots form.
Step 7: Harvest the Storage Roots
Harvest when the growing season ends and the foliage begins to die back. Carefully lift the root cluster to avoid damaging the storage roots. Keep the crown separate from the edible roots if you plan to propagate the plant again.
Harvest when the growing season ends and the foliage begins to die back. Carefully lift the root cluster to avoid damaging the storage roots. Keep the crown separate from the edible roots if you plan to propagate the plant again.
Grow an Unusual Root Vegetable with Yacon Seeds
Yacon is an interesting addition to home vegetable gardens, producing large underground storage roots beneath tall, leafy plants. Its Andean origin, sunflower-like flowers, and crisp, naturally sweet roots make it a distinctive vegetable to grow. Provide warm growing conditions, fertile soil, consistent moisture, and enough time for root development. Remember that true seed propagation can be challenging, while crown divisions are the more commonly used planting material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn about Yacon seed germination, edible storage roots, and the difference between planting roots and propagation crowns.
Can you grow Yacon 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 unreliable. Gardeners more commonly propagate Yacon using divisions of the underground crown that contain healthy growing buds. The large edible storage roots alone generally cannot produce new shoots once separated from the crown.
How long does Yacon take to grow before harvesting its roots?
Yacon generally needs several months of active growth before its underground storage roots are ready for harvesting. Depending on the climate, planting time, and variety, harvesting commonly takes place in autumn or early winter. Allow the plant to develop throughout the growing season and harvest when the above-ground growth begins to decline.
What is the difference between Yacon roots and Yacon crown tubers?
Yacon produces two different underground structures. The large, fleshy storage roots are harvested for eating, while the smaller crown or rhizome structure at the base of the stems contains buds used to grow new plants. For propagation, use crown divisions with healthy growing points rather than planting an ordinary detached storage root.