Ground Apple Seeds - Vegetable Plant

Ground Apple seeds produce a tall, herbaceous perennial plant commonly known as Yacon or Peruvian Ground Apple, grown for its sweet, juicy underground tubers. This plant thrives in warm climates with a long growing season and performs best in loose, fertile, well-drained soils with consistent moisture. It develops vigorous stems and large leaves, making it suitable for garden beds and field cultivation. In practical cultivation, it is typically propagated using rhizomes or tuber divisions rather than true seeds to ensure consistent and reliable growth.

Features

• Upright, vigorous herbaceous growth habit
• Produces sweet, crisp underground tubers
• Adapted to warm climates and long growing seasons
• Suitable for garden and field planting
• Commonly propagated using rhizomes or tubers

Specifications

• Scientific Name: Smallanthus sonchifolius
• Common Name (US): Yacon / Ground Apple
• Seed Type / Variety: Root tuber variety
• Growth Habit: Herbaceous perennial
• USDA Zones: 7 to 11
• Planting Season: Spring
• Growing Season: Summer to late fall
• Sowing Season: March to May
• Germination Time And Conditions: Rarely grown from true seed; rhizomes sprout in 2 to 3 weeks in warm soil
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Loose, fertile, well-drained soil
• Watering Needs: Moderate; consistent moisture preferred
• Mature Plant Size: 5 to 7 feet height, 3 to 5 feet spread
• Plant Spacing: 2 to 3 feet apart