Yacon, originally from South America and belonging to the Asteraceae family, is a plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall. It resembles sweet potatoes in appearance, with its fruit growing underground. In October, small sunflower-like flowers are planted and harvested. Yacon is typically planted from spring to early summer and harvested in autumn. In southern regions, it can survive the winter in the ground. The average yield per mu ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 kilograms. Each plant produces 3 to 10 fruits, with individual weights ranging from 250 to 600 grams, and some reaching over 1,000 grams. This dual-purpose fruit and vegetable has a clear, crisp texture with no residue, offering an excellent flavor. It is known for its health benefits, including helping to prevent and manage diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and high cholesterol. It also aids digestion, promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, relieves constipation, supports liver detoxification, reduces internal heat, and helps prevent acne and facial blemishes. Yacon is not only a natural aphrodisiac for men but also a beauty-enhancing health food for women. Here are the cultivation techniques:
First, soil preparation and ridge making.
It is best to select well-drained sandy soil. Apply 2,000 to 3,000 kg of farmyard manure per mu. If insufficient, supplement with compound fertilizer and potassium dihydrogen phosphate. The row spacing should be 0.5 meters by 1 meter, with about 1,300 plants per acre. Before planting, dig trenches and place the tubers on the ridge back (similar to sweet potatoes). To prevent underground pests, apply phoxim granules at 2 to 3 pounds per acre, and mix with wheat bran or bean cake in the planting holes.
Second, planting.
Planting times vary depending on the region. Planting earlier during the suitable period increases yield and nutritional value. Generally, when the soil temperature at 5 cm depth reaches 14°C to 15°C, planting can begin in mid-April. In the south or in protected areas, planting can be done earlier. You can either directly plant in the field or start 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 the buds grow to peanut size, they can be used. If the bulbs are too dense, they can be planted directly or in a nutrient pot. Once the seedlings reach 10–15 cm in height, transplant them into the field. In summer, you can also propagate by separating and replanting the underground runners. Although the fruit may not be large, many bulbs can be produced. One yacon plant can produce 100–200 or more 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 at this stage. Water promptly during dry periods and drain excess water after rain. When the stem reaches about 1 meter, branching occurs at the base. Strong-growing plants can have branches removed to encourage better fruit development. For normal growth, one or two branches can be left for propagation. Axillary branches can be used as cuttings. After late autumn, when the main bulbs are harvested, these branches can also be used for propagation. In mid-August, apply 10–15 kg of potassium fertilizer per acre, and spray 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate every 15–20 days to enhance fruit sweetness and promote fruit enlargement.
Fourth, harvesting.
By October, the flowers at the top of the stems begin to wither, and the leaves turn yellow, signaling that the fruit is ready. In the south, it can be dug and sold anytime during winter. In the north, it should be stored in a kiln before frost, and it stores better than sweet potatoes, remaining intact even after being stored until Qingming Festival. The stalks can be used as high-quality animal feed, while the leaves and flowers are nutritious and can be dried for tea or processed for reuse.
Fifth, storage.
After excavation, cut off the top bulbs and soak the wounds in a potassium permanganate solution for 3 minutes. Then, store them in a cellar or frost-free room filled with wet sand for future planting.
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