How to Grow Yacon? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Cultivation Techniques

Yacon is a fruit that grows underground. Its appearance is somewhat similar to that of a sweet potato, but when eaten it is somewhat similar to a pear, crisp and sweet, with juicy flesh. It can be eaten raw or used as an ingredient, and there are many ways to prepare it. So how should yacon be planted? Let's learn about it together.

1. Suitable growing environment

Yacon fears frost and cold. It is suitable for growing at temperatures between 18-24 degrees, on high mountains at an altitude of 1000 m, and it requires a large temperature difference between day and night, growing in places with night moisture and swirling clouds and mist. It has high requirements for water quality, and spring water or mountain spring water is best, otherwise it will affect the variety. When planting, sandy land is suitable, and red sandy soil, red soil and sandy loam soil with loose texture and good aeration are best. Try not to choose low-lying plots that easily accumulate water, so as to avoid root rot.

2. Land preparation and fertilization

Before planting, deep ploughing and careful cultivation must be carried out to create a good soil environment for it. Deep ploughing should be about 35 cm; if too deep, raw soil is turned up and fertility is insufficient; if too shallow, it is bad for yacon growth and yields are lower. Large clods of soil should be broken up. Compacted soil or small soil particles will both affect its growth, and the grown [text unclear] and [text unclear] will be curved, uneven and not smooth. After land preparation, ponds should be dug and disinfected. The depth and width of the ponds should both be about 35 cm. For each pond, apply 2.5-3 kg of base fertilizer, then cover with 3-5 cm of soil, keeping a certain distance from the seed balls so as not to damage sprouting.

3. Planting

After the yacon harvest, cut the seed balls selected for raising seedlings into pieces about 1 cm in size, bury them in sandy land for storage, and ensure ventilation, once a week. In March, dig them up and observe whether there are young shoots. When they grow to 2-3 cm, they can be planted. The best planting time is April. Keep 3-4 seed balls per pond. The seed balls should not be too deep and close to the base fertilizer, nor too shallow and left exposed outside. After planting, water thoroughly and keep the soil moist until they sprout and grow.

4. Field management

After planting, weeding and fertilization should be done well to promote rapid growth. Yacon is afraid of waterlogging and avoids drought. When waterlogged, its roots and fruit will rot, so after rain, drainage should be carried out in time. When it grows to more than 50 cm, branches will appear. When it grows to more than 1 m, if there are messy branches, they should be pruned in time. If the planting density is low, then there is no need to prune. In October, when its flowers begin to wither, the fruit can be dug up. Try to finish harvesting before the freeze. After harvesting, store it in sand, or put it in a cellar.

The above is an introduction to how to plant yacon. I hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.