Yacon in Zone 9a & 9b
Smallanthus sonchifolius
When to plant yacon in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b 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 21–Dec 28 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Mar 8–Mar 15 |
| Estimated harvest | Oct 4–Oct 11 (~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 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 5. 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 9b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Yacon in USDA zone 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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