Yacon in Zone 8a & 8b
Smallanthus sonchifolius
When to plant yacon in zone 8b
Zones 8a and 8b 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 | Jan 28–Feb 4 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 15–Apr 22 |
| Estimated harvest | Nov 11–Nov 18 (~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 8's season
Zone 8b's frost-free window runs about 230 days, from March 25 to November 10. 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 8b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Yacon in USDA zone 8b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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