Yacon in Zone 10a & 10b
Smallanthus sonchifolius
When to plant yacon in zone 10b
Zones 10a and 10b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. Yacon needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Dec 5–Dec 12 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Feb 20–Feb 27 |
| Estimated harvest | Sep 18–Sep 25 (~210 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: about 4 square feet per plant (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 4-6 ft.

Yacon is a tall Andean sunflower relative grown for its large, crisp, mildly sweet storage roots, usually sliced and eaten raw like fruit rather than cooked.
How yacon fits zone 10's season
Zone 10b's frost-free window runs about 324 days, from January 30 to December 20. Yacon needs about 210 days from transplant to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Yacon.
Where to buy yacon seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing yacon" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 10b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

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Growing Yacon in USDA zone 10b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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