Where Is Yacon Suitable to Grow? Detailed Planting Conditions

SummaryTemperature: Generally it is best between 20°C and 30°C; at present many growers use greenhouse cultivation, as this makes temperature control easier. Altitude: Yacon likes sunlight, and too low an altitude is not suitable for growth; generally an altitude above 1000 m is most suitable for growth. Soil: Yacon is suitable for cultivation in sandy soil, as this gives better drainage and makes root rot less likely.

Many people are confused by the outer skin of yacon and often think it is a sweet potato. In fact, once the outer skin of yacon is peeled off, it is completely different from a sweet potato; yacon can not only be eaten raw, but can also be eaten cooked. Many people who do not know yacon assume that it is as easy to grow as sweet potato and that it does not have strict regional requirements, but this is actually not the case; growing yacon is somewhat more complicated than growing sweet potato.

Where yacon is suitable to grow

Yacon was originally introduced into China for cultivation from South and North America. Because yacon has high temperature requirements during its growth process and is quite intolerant of cold, once the temperature falls below 15°C it will stop growing. Therefore it is suitable for growing in regions of China such as Yunnan, Fujian and Hainan, where it is warm all year round.

Yacon planting conditions

1. Temperature: The production environment for yacon is generally best between 20°C and 30°C, if the local weather is unstable. At present many growers use greenhouse cultivation, as this makes temperature control relatively easy.

2. Altitude: Yacon likes sunlight, so too low an altitude is not suitable for growth; generally an altitude above 1000 m is most suitable for growth.

3. Soil: Yacon is suitable for cultivation in sandy soil, as this gives relatively good drainage and makes root rot less likely.

Yacon planting techniques

1. Soil: When planting yacon, it is better to choose loose, slightly sandy soil, because yacon is not suitable for prolonged soaking in water; before planting it is best to scatter a little lime powder to avoid later pest damage.

2. Raising seedlings: Do not sow yacon when the temperature is cold; it is best in spring when there is plenty of rain and the temperature is around 15°C.

3. Fertilizing: During the growth process of yacon, some organic fertilizer can be added appropriately; when it grows to 20 cm, it can be pruned appropriately, as this can increase yield.

4. Harvesting: When digging up yacon, do not use too much force and damage the stems; the stems left after harvesting can be soaked in potassium permanganate for a few minutes, then buried in a cellar, and they can continue to be planted the following year.

Many people who love beauty like to eat yacon, because it has a nourishing and moisturizing effect on the skin, so its price is much higher than that of sweet potato. Yacon is juicy and tastes fresh and sweet; many people prefer to eat it raw like a fruit, or press it into juice. Yacon is rather particular about its environment, but it is not easily affected by pests and its yield is also decent, so it is very suitable for farmers to grow.