How to Grow Yacon? A Detailed Explanation of Planting Methods and Key Technical Points
Yacon is a fruit that grows underground. Its appearance is somewhat similar to that of a sweet potato, but when eaten it tastes 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 grown? Let's take a look 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. It grows in places with night moisture and swirling clouds and mist. It has relatively high requirements for water quality, preferably spring water or mountain spring water, otherwise it will affect the variety. When planting, choose sandy land as appropriate, with loose soil and good aeration. Red sandy soil, red soil and sandy loam 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 it is too deep, raw soil will be turned up and fertility will be insufficient; if it is too shallow, yacon will not grow well and the yield will be relatively low. Large clods of soil must be broken up. Compacted soil or small soil particles will both affect its growth, causing the grown yacon to be curved, concave and convex, and not smooth. After land preparation, pits should be dug and disinfected. The depth and width of the pits should both be about 35 cm. Apply 2.5-3 kg of base fertilizer per pit, then cover with 3-5 cm of soil, keeping a certain distance from the seed ball 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 open and observe whether there are seedlings. When they grow to 2-3 cm, they can be planted. The best planting time is April. Keep 3-4 seed balls per pit. The seed balls should not be too deep and right next to the base fertilizer, nor too shallow and left exposed outside. After planting, water thoroughly and keep the soil moist until sprouting and growth.
4. Field Management
After planting, do a good job of weeding and fertilizing to promote rapid growth. Yacon is afraid of waterlogging and avoids drought. When waterlogged, its roots and fruit will rot, so drainage should be carried out in time after rain. When it grows to more than 50 cm, branches will appear. When it grows to more than 1 m, if there are messy branches, prune them in time. If the planting density is low, there is no need to prune. When its flowers begin to wither in October, the fruit can be dug. 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 grow yacon. I hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please follow us.