Hi Mg
I have grown yacon for about 2 years in the uk (have a look at my pics) I have found it is easy to grow but a frost tender plant the seed/growing tubers can be lifted and stored over winter and planted late April. I would recommend growing them in large tubs/pots as well. I am diabetic and yacon is an absolute must as part of a healthy varied diet
Steve

Thanks Steve!

Can't see on the pics as don't know what it looks like - where are they please?

On Steve's photos I assume but here is a link to images of

http://bit.ly/Hs2LTK

Copy and paste into browser...

The reason I am asking this question is that each year in the 'In Tune with the Moon' book we have information on growing a common and an unusual vegetable. This year the french author wants to use yacon as the unusual one. My sense is it is so unusual that few folk will even be able to get the slips. I am also not sure just how well it would survive in the northern part of the UK and US.

Have a look at this link I purchased mine from him the next one is going to be Oca (Oxalis tuberosa)
http://www.strangewonderfulthings.com/240.htm

Interesting but no mention of them being for sale, clicking on the 'Check Availability' took me to e-Bay and no indication of yacon. Readers expect to be able to locate an fruit or vegetable the book writes about with relative ease - doesn't look like it is the case for this one.

I can let you have a tuber I have several and do not intend planting all this year.

Thanks Steve but that doesn't solve the problem of any reader who is interested being able to go and buy one. I'm on the hunt for another unusual veg. that is more readily available in the UK & US. I had to do this a couple of years ago when the particular unusual veg. the French author had used didn't actually grow in the UK.

Thanks for the links Steve & MG - how interesting! Looks like a container job for this country if it needs 7-8 months growth with frost protection? Wasn 't surprised to read its related to dahlias - my first thought on seeing the pic!