How to Grow Ulluco
Ullucus tuberosus
Ulluco is an Andean tuber crop producing small, colourful tubers in pink, yellow, and red. The succulent heart-shaped leaves are also edible. Start tubers indoors in April, plant out after last frost in fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Tubers only form in autumn as days shorten — harvest after first frost kills the foliage, typically November. Young leaves can be harvested throughout summer as a spinach substitute. Save tubers to replant each spring.
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 7°C and soil has warmed to at least 10°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Apply a balanced fertiliser at planting. Avoid high nitrogen which promotes leafy growth at the expense of tubers. A light potash-rich feed in late summer encourages tuber swelling as days shorten.
- Ulluco is an Andean tuber crop valued for its colourful small tubers and its dual-purpose leaves, which are edible as greens. Being a short-day plant, tubers only form as days shorten in autumn. In cool temperate climates, start tubers indoors in spring to maximise the growing season. The succulent heart-shaped leaves are ornamental as well as edible.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 10°C+
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- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 60 cm |
| Sow depth | 8 cm |
| Mature height | 50 cm |
| Mature spread | 40 cm |
Plant tubers 30 cm apart in rows 60 cm apart, 8-10 cm deep. Earth up stems as they grow.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 10°C |
| Base growth temperature | 7°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | short day |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Ulluco?
- Plant Ulluco 30cm apart with 60cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Ulluco?
- Ulluco is ready to harvest approximately 160 days after transplanting.
- Is Ulluco frost hardy?
- Ulluco is classified as Tender.
