Yacón Smallanthus sonchifolius
Yacón (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is a deciduous perennial vegetable in the Asteraceae family, native to Andes (Colombia to northern Argentina). It grows 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) tall and 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -8 °C (18 °F). Space plants about 90 cm (35 in) apart.
Plan Yacón in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Yacón at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–2.5 m (4.9–8.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 90 cm (35 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -8 °C (18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about September for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: storage roots (raw, sweet and crisp), leaves (tea) |
| Native to | Andes (Colombia to northern Argentina) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Yacón toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Roots and leaves are eaten; not documented as toxic, though the fructan-rich roots can cause gas in large amounts.
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 Yacón
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Yacón
- How far apart should I plant Yacón?
- About 90 cm (35 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft).
- Does Yacón need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Yacón need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Yacón?
- It tolerates about -8 °C (18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Yacón flower?
- From about September for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Yacón poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Roots and leaves are eaten; not documented as toxic, though the fructan-rich roots can cause gas in large amounts.
- What grows well with Yacón?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Yacón. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Foliage dies at the first hard frost; the rhizome crowns overwinter under mulch and the storage roots are lifted in autumn. Roots sweeten after a few days in the sun.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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