Oca, like potatoes, are propagated from tubers. They prefer sandy soil, partial shade, and cool, damp weather. Plant whole tubers in pots in late winter and then when they begin to vine, transplant them to tubs or directly into the garden after all possible chance of frost has passed.

How do you grow oca tubers?

Alternatively, tubers can be planted directly outdoors in late May. By this time they may well be showing small 'sprouts'. Plant Oca directly into a shallow drill, about 8cm (3") deep, and cover with soil or compost and a layer of fleece. Remove the fleece from early June or as the soil and weather warms.

How long does it take oca to grow?

Until that date passes, oca does not begin to form tubers. In most parts of its native Andean highlands, day length is always about 12 hours, so oca can produce a crop much more quickly. Oca needs six weeks to produce a reasonable harvest once the plants have reached full size.