Ulluco, Moclips

Ulluco information and growing instructions

This is an OSSI open source variety. Click for more information about open source seeds.

Phytosanitary information

Moclips was the first new ulluco variety introduced by the Cultivariable breeding program and probably the first ulluco variety ever produced in North America.  It is notable for improved size over most heirloom ulluco varieties and intense purple skin color.

There has been a change to this variety beginning in 2018.  The original seedling of Moclips produced both solid purple and blotchy white and purple tubers.  Over several years, I separated the tubers at planting and the populations eventually stabilized.  This is probably an indication that the original seedling was a genetic mosaic, with two subtly different genotypes.  I have retained the name Moclips for the solid variety and the blotchy variety is now named Analyde.

Culinary Traits

Moclips has a fairly strong beet-like flavor.  This variety has firm white flesh.  The skin has the same texture as the flesh, but appears as a thick purple ring around the bright white flesh.  Smaller tubers can be sectioned for a nice contrast.

Agronomic Traits

Moclips plants are large and spreading.  They will produce tubers over about an 18 inch radius at maturity.  As with most ulluco varieties, the largest tubers are those found directly under the plant, while tubers formed on descending stolons are later and, therefore, usually smaller.  Average yield is 2.4 pounds.  Maximum tuber diameter is 3.8 inches.  Average tuber diameter is 0.9 inches.  Like most ulluco varieties, Moclips forms a very large number of small tubers, roughly half of the yield is comprised of tubers of 1 inch diameter or larger.

What you will receive

Tubers

You will receive the stated number of tubers, packaged in a wax envelope. We grade tubers by passing them through a grate. Small tubers are those that won’t fall through a 1/3″ grate, but that will fall through a 1 inch grate. Medium/large tubers are those that will not fall through a 1 inch grate.