Growing Yams

Discorea alata and other yams are grown as a vegetable crop. Most are a tropical vine or climbing plants and require at least sub tropical conditions to grow properly. It is the root or tuber that is eaten as a vegetable

How to Grow Yams

Dioscorea batatis and other diocorea species which are tropical vines. Dioscorea transversa is the Native Yam, known as ‘midiny’ or ‘wanka-parlu’.

Grown widely in South America, Central America and the West Indies, they are also popular in Asia and Africa. Remember that yams require a tropical to sub tropical climate to grow well.

See also: Dioscorea trifida, Dioscorea alata, Dioscorea esculenta, Dioscorea rotundata and Dioscorea cayensis.

Yams are often confused with the ‘sweet potato’ however they are not actually related.

How to grow yams – Basic Steps

1. Plant Yams in early summer.
2. Choose a humus rich soil which will retain some moisture.
3. Find a position in full sun to part shade, with a structure for the plant to climb on.
4. Tubers need to planted in a well dug soil, preferably with added compost.
5. Tubers should be planted at around 5 cm deep.
6. To allow for growth, plant tubers at around .5 metre apart.
7. Mulch around plants to help maintain a moist root run.
8. Water regularly with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
9. Plants will begin to die back in autumn. This is the time to harvest.
10. Dig carefully so as not to damage the tubers.

Remember to keep some tubers for next seasons planting. Store them in a dark, cool and dry position until the next season.

YAM SUPPLIERS

For Dioscorea transversa try: