General Question

2davidc8's avatar

Have you grown yams?

Asked by 2davidc8 (10189points) August 25th, 2020

How do you know it’s time to harvest?
My plants are starting to flower.
Do you have to dig up everything at one time, or can you start at the periphery and dig up a few at a time, thus extending the growing season?

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4 Answers

Tropical_Willie's avatar

Wait until leaves and vine die back. They need to rest for 10 to 21 days while starch converts to sugar (makes them sweet), don’t wash them until ready to eat. Always be gentle with them, they have very thin skins.

Yes I’m a Master Gardener.

2davidc8's avatar

Thank you, @Tropical_Willie.
So, I suppose that the yams won’t be ready for harvest until late fall, as the plants are still growing quite vigorously right now. Right?
I don’t know how deep the roots go. Is it better to use a shovel or a hand trowel to dig them up?

Tropical_Willie's avatar

Use a digging fork put fork into ground about a foot away from leftover vine. Pull handle toward you and lift once the soil is loose.

2davidc8's avatar

OK, thanks!

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