Yacon

Growing

When planting yacon, use clean, healthy offsets or rootstocks to prevent the spread of diseases like nematodes or rot. Galls on the roots or stunted growth may indicate root-knot nematodes, so start with disease-free material. To manage pests like the sunflower caterpillar, which feeds on the foliage, plant trap plants like sunflowers nearby to lure the insects away from your crop.

Yacon is a relative of the sunflower and grows as a single upright stem in warm weather. The plant is hardy in its native tropical and subtropical ranges, but frost will kill it. Use well-drained soil to prevent crown rot caused by fungi like Rhizoctonia.

The tubers do not ripen after they are pulled from the ground, so harvest them when they are fully developed. Keep the harvested tubers unwashed to help them last longer. Store the harvest in a cool, dark cellar.