Yacon Rhizomes

Yacon Rhizomes – Smallanthus sonchifolius

Perennial planting material grown in South Wales
From regenerative trials at the National Botanic Garden of Wales

A Sweet, Productive Perennial for the Temperate Grower

Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is a fast-growing perennial from the Andes, grown for its crisp, sweet storage tubers and vigorous above-ground growth. What you’re buying here are planting rhizomes — the true perennial part of the plant, which resprouts each year and can be divided and expanded over time.

These rhizomes are grown agroecologically in South Wales, without artificial inputs, as part of ongoing regenerative trials exploring climate-resilient crops and perennial polycultures.

Why Grow Yacon?

• Perennial crop – Rhizomes regrow each spring

• Sweet, edible tubers – Crunchy, juicy, great raw or cooked

• Gut-friendly – Rich in prebiotic FOS (fructooligosaccharides)

• High biomass – Suppresses weeds and builds soil

• Low-input – No fertilisers or sprays needed once established

• Harvest in autumn – After first frost, like Jerusalem artichoke

• Perfect for no-dig, forest garden, or permaculture beds

Pack Options

What You’ll Receive

• Firm, viable Yacon rhizomes for planting

• Full printed growing and harvesting instructions

• Grower support by email for questions or advice

• Replacement guarantee if your rhizome fails to sprout (T&Cs apply)

How to Grow Yacon

• Plant rhizomes in spring after last frost

• Prefers sunny, sheltered spots and fertile, well-drained soil

• Mulch well and let the plant grow tall through summer

• Harvest edible tubers in late autumn, after frost dies back the top

• Store rhizomes frost-free to replant each year

Why Our Rhizomes Are Different

These rhizomes are grown as part of the Farming with Fungi and perennial cropping trials at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. No artificial fertilisers, no chemical sprays — just healthy plants, grown in real conditions. Each rhizome is selected from vigorous, overwintered stock that has proven viable in a UK climate.

Delivery & Dispatch

• Available February–May each year

• Dispatched via Royal Mail 1st Class (UK only)

• Compostable or recyclable packaging used wherever possible

• Live plant guarantee – if it doesn’t sprout, we’ll replace it

Perfect For

• Regenerative growers & homesteads

• Perennial market gardens & agroforestry

• Gardeners trialling climate-resilient crops

• Food lovers & fermenters (great raw or in krauts)

• Plant breeders & seed savers looking for long-term stock