Yacon, Morado

Yacon information and growing instructions

Morado is a Peruvian variety with red/purple skin and flesh that develops to a very light orange with storage.  The flesh is both denser and sweeter than most varieties.  Stems are red and the height is intermediate, reaching about six feet here.  Medium dormancy, lasting about 2-3 months at 38F without significant sprouting.

Morado is not an easy variety to get seed from, but not the most difficult either.  It is a very early flowerer, which helps with seed production even though the number of seeds obtained per plant is low.  Even though it is challenging, it is a useful variety for breeding given its other unique features.

What you will receive:

Rhizome

You will receive the stated number of rhizome pieces, packed in damp peat. Morado has very high rhizome sprout density, so propagules can be smaller, which makes them less vulnerable to dessication or molding. You should keep packets refrigerated and check them periodically to make sure that the exposed cuts are not molding. If mold develops, cut back to clean flesh and plant or pot as soon as possible. Rhizome does not store well, so it is always better to plant it than to store it if you can.

Seeds

Seeds are open pollinated. Because yacon is a polyploid hybrid, the seeds will not grow true to type. They are suitable for use in breeding or conservation efforts and could be used to select varieties similar to the parent type.