Ulluco Ullucus tuberosus
Ulluco (Ullucus tuberosus) is a deciduous perennial vegetable in the Basellaceae family, native to Andes. It grows 20–50 cm (8–20 in) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
Plan Ulluco in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Ulluco at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Basellaceae |
| Mature height | 20–50 cm (8–20 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 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 | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 26 °C (79 °F) |
| Flowering | about 13–17 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: tubers (yellow, pink, candy-striped; cooked), leaves |
| Native to | Andes |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
Is Ulluco 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 Ulluco
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Ulluco
- How far apart should I plant Ulluco?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Ulluco need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Ulluco need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Ulluco?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Ulluco flower?
- About 13–17 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Ulluco 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 Ulluco?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Ulluco. 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
- Glossy jewel-coloured tubers form only as days shorten in autumn, so a frost-free autumn is needed outside the tropics.
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
- Malabar spinach Basella alba
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Lettuce Lactuca sativa
- Carrot Daucus carota subsp. sativus
- Cucumber Cucumis sativus