Yacon, originally from South America, belongs to the Asteraceae family and is closely related to sunflowers. This plant typically grows up to about 2 meters in height and resembles sweet potatoes in appearance. Its fruit develops underground, and it is usually planted in October with three to five small sunflower-like flowers blooming at the top. Yacon is typically planted in spring or early summer and harvested in autumn. In southern regions, it can overwinter in the ground.
The average yield per mu (about 0.15 acres) ranges between 3,000 to 5,000 kilograms. Each plant can produce 3 to 10 fruits, with individual weights ranging from 250 to 600 grams, and some reaching over 1,000 grams. It is a dual-purpose crop, both a vegetable and a fruit. The fruit is crisp, juicy, and has no residue, offering an excellent flavor. It also possesses health benefits, such as helping to prevent and manage diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Additionally, it supports digestive health by promoting bifidobacteria, aids in relieving constipation, detoxifies the liver, reduces internal heat, and helps prevent acne and skin blemishes. Yacon is not only considered a natural aphrodisiac for men but also a beauty booster for women. Here are the cultivation techniques:
First, soil preparation and ridging:
It is best to select well-drained sandy soil. Apply 2,000 to 3,000 kg of farmyard manure per mu. If necessary, supplement with compound fertilizer and potassium dihydrogen phosphate. The row spacing should be 0.5 meters by 1 meter, with approximately 1,300 plants per acre. Before planting, create raised beds and plant the tubers on the back of the ridge, similar to sweet potatoes. To protect against underground pests, apply phoxim granules (2–3 pounds per acre), and mix wheat bran or bean cake into the planting holes.
Second, planting:
Planting times vary depending on the region. Early planting during suitable periods increases yield and nutritional value. Generally, when the soil temperature at 5 cm depth stabilizes between 14°C and 15°C, planting can begin in mid-April. In the south or in protected areas, planting can be done earlier. You can directly plant the tubers in the field or first grow seedlings in a greenhouse using nutrient trays or bags. For bulbous parts, cut them with a knife (like potato cuttings), or bury the whole bulbs in a greenhouse or warm area. When buds reach peanut size, they can be used for planting. If the bulbs are too dense, they can be planted directly or placed in nutrient pots. Once seedlings reach 10–15 cm in height, they can be transplanted into the field. In summer, you can also propagate by separating and replanting the underground runners. Although the fruit may not be large in summer, many bulbs can be produced. Typically, one yacon plant can generate 100 to 200 bulbs the following year.
Third, management:
After planting, when the seedlings reach 20 cm, water and cultivate the soil while weeding. If fertilization was insufficient before planting, add some organic fertilizer and water promptly during dry periods, and drain excess water after rain. When the stem reaches about 1 meter, it will start producing side branches at the base. Strong growth allows for pruning the side branches, while moderate growth may allow one or two branches to develop. These side branches can be used for propagation through cuttings. By late autumn, when the main bulbs are harvested, the side branches can also be collected. In mid-August, apply 10–15 kg of potash fertilizer per acre, and spray 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate every 15–20 days to increase fruit sweetness and promote fruit development.
Fourth, harvest:
By October, the flower buds on the top of the stems begin to wither, and the leaves turn yellow, signaling that the fruit is ready for harvesting. In the south, yacon can be left in the ground and dug up as needed. In the north, it should be stored in a kiln before frost. It stores better than sweet potatoes and remains intact until the Qingming Festival. The stalks can be used as high-quality animal feed, while the leaves and flowers have high nutritional value and can be dried for tea or processed for reuse.
Fifth, storage:
After digging up the yacon, cut off the top bulbs and soak the wounds in a potassium permanganate solution for 3 minutes. After drying, store the bulbs in a cellar or a frost-free room filled with moist sand for future planting.
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