Yacon
Smallanthus sonchifolius
Also known asPeruvian ground apple · Bolivian sunroot · Yacón strawberry · Llacon · Aricoma
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 7–11 (winter low around -18°C)
- Frost
- frost sensitive (dies at first frost)
- Season
- warm (summer, frost-sensitive)
Growing systems
Root mass: very heavy. Thin-channel systems can't hold this crop.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| vegetative | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1.6 |
Companion-growing notes
- High transpiration. Regular reservoir top-ups needed during fruiting.
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
A warm-season tuber crop for media beds or large containers (20 L) with 20 cm of loose substrate. EC 1.5-2.5 mS/cm. pH 5.5-7.0. Temperature: 18–28°C (Andean highland origin; more cold-tolerant than tropical tubers, surviving light frost, but sustained freezing kills the plant). Moderate to high light (DLI 14-22 mol/m2/day). Propagation: from crown divisions (the thick, rhizome-like crown above the tubers produces buds that can be separated and replanted). Plant divisions in spring. The above-ground plant grows vigorously through summer. Tubers form at the base, expanding in autumn. Harvest when the foliage dies back after first frost, digging carefully to extract the fragile tubers. Each plant produces 2–5 kg of tubers. Eat raw (peeled and sliced, like jicama) or juice for a sweet, refreshing drink. The FOS content increases with a few days of sun exposure after harvest. A unique, health-conscious specialty crop with genuine novelty appeal.