Asteraceae
Yacón: Edible Plant
Smallanthus sonchifolius
Requires deep, organic-rich soils with constant moisture but no waterlogging. Prefers temperate climates and is sensitive to severe frosts.
Every 5 days
Bright indirect
10° - 25°C
60% - 90%
Categories
What is Yacón?
Yacón (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is a medium-care plant from the Asteraceae family. Yacón is a perennial plant from the Asteraceae family, native to the Andes. It is prized for its crunchy, sweet-tasting tuberous roots, which are mainly consumed raw. The plant produces tall, hairy stems with large leaves and flowers similar to small sunflowers.
Yacón grows up to 2.5m, spread of 150cm, watering every 5 days, 10°C – 25°C, 60–90% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Yacón is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Yacón?
TLDR: Yacón needs Bright indirect, watering every 5 days, and temperatures between 10-25°C with 60-90% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Yacón?
Increase watering during summer and the root formation phase, reducing it when the plant begins to dry out at the end of the season.
How Much Light Does Yacón Need?
Needs full sun exposure for optimal root development, although it tolerates partial shade in very hot climates.
What Is the Best Soil for Yacón?
The soil should be loose and well-drained to allow roots to expand without resistance.
What Pot Should You Use for Yacón?
Not recommended for standard pots; requires direct cultivation in deep soil or large volume containers (minimum 50 liters).
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
What Is Yacón and Where Does It Come From?
Yacón is a perennial plant from the Asteraceae family, native to the Andes. It is prized for its crunchy, sweet-tasting tuberous roots, which are mainly consumed raw. The plant produces tall, hairy stems with large leaves and flowers similar to small sunflowers.
How to Propagate Yacón?
Division of propagules (crowns)
- Be careful not to confuse the fleshy edible roots with the reproductive propagules.
- Keep the soil moist but not saturated during sprouting.
- 1 Crown separation
After harvest, separate the reddish propagules from the top part of the storage roots.
- 2 Cutting and drying
Divide the crown into pieces that have at least two or three buds and let the cut dry for 24 hours.
- 3 Planting
Plant at a depth of 10 cm in well-fertilized soil.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Yacón Grow?
TLDR: Yacón can reach up to 2.5m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
2.5m
Spread
1.5m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Blood glucose level control
- Prebiotic properties
- Triglyceride reduction
Culinary Uses
- Fresh consumption as a fruit
- Yacón syrup as a sweetener
- Salads
- Dehydrated chips
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents the resilience of Andean agriculture and natural health.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
