Whole plant
Overall shape, height, branching and growth habit.
Roots
Yam growing guide
Climbing tropical tuber crop needing a long warm season and strong support. Different from sweet potato.
Photo reference
Use this real-world photo as the main plant reference, then compare it with the botanical drawings below for leaf, flower and harvest details.
14-35 daysGermination
240-360 daysHarvest
90 cmSpacing
8 cmSow depth
Full/PartSun
TenderFrost
3 cm/weekWater
5.5-7pH
Planting calendar by climate
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| Climate | Sow | Transplant / Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tropical | Jan - Dec | Jan - Dec | Jan - Dec |
| Subtropical | Sep - Dec | Sep - Dec | Jan - Dec |
| Mediterranean | Sep - Nov | Nov - Dec | Jan - Dec |
| Temperate | Mar - May | May - Jun | Jul - Oct |
| Cool | Apr - May | Jun | Aug - Oct |
| Arid | Sep - Nov | Sep - Nov | Jan - Dec |
Botanical reference
Compare the whole plant first, then check the leaf, flower and harvest detail to identify what Yam should look like as it grows.
Leaf detail
Leaf shape, edges, colour and vein pattern.
Flower detail
Flower colour, structure and where blooms appear.
Harvest / detail
Fruit, root, seed, pod or the strongest identifying feature.
Cooking and eating ideas
A quick garden-to-table guide for using Yam after harvest.
Raw / fresh
Many roots are delicious raw when thinly sliced, grated, or cut into crunchy sticks.
Cooked
Roast, bake, boil, mash, steam, pickle, or add to soups and tray bakes.
Store / preserve
Pickle, ferment, cellar-store, or roast and freeze depending on the crop.
Try: Raw crunch, Roasted tray, Quick pickle, Soup or mash.
Good companions
Corn, Beans
Avoid near
No avoid list yet.
Growing note
Grow from small tubers or bulbils; provide a trellis and harvest when vines yellow.
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