Yacon in Zone 7a & 7b
Smallanthus sonchifolius
When to plant yacon in zone 7b
Zones 7a and 7b 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 | Feb 13–Feb 20 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 1–May 8 |
| Estimated harvest | Nov 27–Dec 4 (~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 7's season
Zone 7b's frost-free window runs about 198 days, from April 10 to October 25. 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 7b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

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Growing Yacon in USDA zone 7b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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