Yacon – Peruvian Ground Apple

(Smallanthus Sonchifolius)

Yacon root resembles a sweet potato, but has pale, juicy, crisp flesh rich in prebiotic fibre. Its refreshing flavour is often compared to a blend of apple, watermelon, and celery. Yacon tubers store energy as fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a type of indigestible fibre that passes through the digestive system without causing spikes in blood sugar levels. They are naturally low in calories and starch, making them an excellent choice for diabetics and those managing their weight.

Yacon is valued for its many potential health benefits, including supporting healthy gut microbiota, improving intestinal motility, assisting with blood sugar regulation, and helping to manage cholesterol and lipid levels.

The tubers can be eaten raw, cooked, or processed into syrup, powder, or tea. Yacon syrup is especially popular as a natural low-calorie sweetener.

As with many high-fibre foods, excessive consumption of Yacon may cause bloating or digestive discomfort.

Please note that our imported tropical plants may arrive smaller in size than expected. This is completely normal, as young plants are shipped to ensure they travel safely and establish well in their new environment. With proper care, warmth, and growing conditions, they will develop quickly and grow into strong, healthy, mature plants.

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SKU: TROP-YAC-01 Categories: All Tropicals, Yacon Peruvian Ground Apple tree

Description

Position

Full sun or partial shade. Best suited to a tropical climate, so should be covered in winter to protect the plant from cold and frost.

Size

This vegetable is grown from tubers and should be planted at least 1 metre apart. The large leaves can grow up to 2 metres tall.

Soil Type

Thrives in deep, rich, well-draining soil. Adding half a bag of Volcanic Rock Dust and a bag of Superfrass will help promote rapid growth.

Watering

Regular, consistent moisture is essential for the plant’s health, especially when it is young. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Do not allow the roots to dry out, as this can cause the plant to wilt and die.

Mulching

Add a thick layer of pine bark mulch, keeping it about 20 to 30 centimetres away from the leaves (any closer may cause excess moisture and damage the t). Pine Bark mulch helps retain moisture in the soil and prevents weeds.

Fertilising

Apply a potasium rich fertiliser every 4 months. This plant does not need nitrogen.

Pruning

These are perennials, meaning that the leaves will dry in winter. This is the time to remove the tubers for propagating and storing until replanting in spring.

Practice good garden hygiene (remove fallen leaves).

Watch for root rot (if overwatered) and fungal infections during wet periods.

Harvesting

Harvest yacon tubers in late autumn or early winter once the foliage has naturally died back or after the first light frost. Begin by cutting the stalks back to about 10 cm above the soil using secateurs. Carefully loosen the soil in a wide circle around the plant with a garden fork or spade, taking care not to damage the central crown.

Lift the entire root mass gently, as the tubers are very brittle and can break easily. Slightly pulling on the stems while lifting can help ease the plant from the soil. Separate the large, smooth tubers for eating from the central knobby crown or rhizomes, which can be stored or replanted for the following season. Any damaged or broken tubers should be used immediately, as they do not store well

Pests & Diseases

Yacon is naturally resistant to many pests due to the protective compounds and fine hairs (trichomes) on its leaves. However, it can occasionally be affected by chewing insects such as caterpillars and slugs, as well as root-damaging nematodes. Regular monitoring is recommended, and preventative treatments with agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control) can help keep plants healthy and pest free.