Arracacha Arracacia xanthorrhiza
Arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza) is an evergreen perennial vegetable in the Apiaceae family, native to Andes. It grows 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) tall and 40–70 cm (16–28 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
Plan Arracacha in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Arracacha at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Mature height | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 40–70 cm (16–28 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 26 °C (79 °F) |
| Flowering | about 57–77 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: cooked roots (between carrot, celery and chestnut), young stems |
| Native to | Andes |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Arracacha toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Arracacha
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Arracacha
- How far apart should I plant Arracacha?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–70 cm (16–28 in).
- Does Arracacha need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Arracacha need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Arracacha?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Arracacha flower?
- About 57–77 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Arracacha poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Arracacha?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Arracacha. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Andean roots and tubers, International Potato Center (CIP)
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- Planted from offset shoots; yellow or white roots harvested 10–12 months later. Popular baby food in Colombia and Brazil (mandioquinha).
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Carrot Daucus carota subsp. sativus
- Parsley Petroselinum crispum
- Celery Apium graveolens
- Coriander (cilantro) Coriandrum sativum
- Dill Anethum graveolens
- Parsnip Pastinaca sativa
- Celeriac Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
- Florence fennel Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum