Yacon
€9.95
Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is a hardy, perennial tuberous plant that typically grows 1.5–2 metres tall, producing large, rough-textured leaves and bright yellow, daisy-like flowers in late summer. Native to the Andes, Yacon develops sweet, crisp underground tubers that can be eaten raw, roasted, or made into syrups and preserves. The tubers are low in calories and high in prebiotic inulin, making them a nutritious addition to a permaculture garden or food forest.
Yacon thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic matter. It is tender in winter but will grow well in Ireland’s cool temperate climate during the frost-free growing season. The plant attracts pollinators with its flowers and adds ecological value while producing a high-yielding, nutritious crop.
Quantity
Growing instructions
Plant tubers in full sun in well-drained, fertile soil, spaced 40–50 cm apart. Water regularly during the growing season to encourage strong leaf and tuber development, and apply a mulch of compost or leaf mould to retain moisture and improve soil fertility.
Yacon is frost-sensitive, so lift tubers before the first hard frost in autumn. Store tubers in a cool, dry, frost-free location, or replant selected tubers the following spring to maintain your crop. Harvest when foliage begins to yellow and die back. Tubers can be eaten fresh, roasted, or made into syrups, and the plant’s flowers support pollinators while growing.
