Grown in tropical and subtropical regions as a substitute for potatoes, yams (Dioscorea sp.) are an old food crop. You may bake, mash or fry them, just like potatoes. Your yams will need a fence or trellis to climb up. They thrive best in a frost-free climate with summer showers and moderate, dry winters.
Sweet potatoes and yams are not the same crop, despite what most people think. Yams belong to the entirely separate Dioscorea family, while sweet potatoes are in the Ipomoea family.
Some yam vines can grow up to 8 inch in a single day. Yams are a robust herbaceous vine that will climb on anything. The tubers can grow to enormous sizes—up to 150 pounds and 6 feet—but the majority are smaller.
See also: Sweet potato plant: How to grow and maintenance?
Yams: Key facts
| Botanical name | Dioscorea |
| Common Name | Yam |
| Family | Dioscoreaceae |
| Native areas | Africa, Asia, and the Americas |
| Plant type | monocot |
| Mature size | 15 metre (49 foot) in length and 7.6 to 15.2 cm (3 to 6 in) high. |
| Sun Exposure | Direct sunlight |
| Soil type | rich red-loamy soil |
| Bloom time | 90 to 120 days |
| Leaves type | Ipomoea genus |
| Edible part | Tubers |
| Flower Colour | White and Purple |
| Toxic | yes |
Yams: How to grow?
Yams prefer to grow in well-drained soil in a sunny spot. Yam vines spread out rapidly and get large. For the vine to climb up as it grows, plant yams at the foot of a fence or trellis. Before planting, amend the soil with a large amount of compost. You can plant yam from potted plants or tubers. When the fall foliage of the vine appears in the fall or early winter, it is time to harvest yams. Yams do not usually have pests or diseases.
Planting in the garden
Plant potted plants or yam tubers 50–60 cm apart in the soil you have already prepared. Make sure to sow leafless tubers 3–5 cm deep when planting them. Throughout the growing season, give your newly acquired yam enough water. To keep moisture and discourage weeds, mulch the area around your yam plants.
Yams: Care tips
Sowing
- Selection of location: Pick a sunny spot with loamy soil that drains well. Yams thrive in soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5, slightly acidic to neutral.
- Readying the ground: In order to increase soil fertility, add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Proper drainage is essential to avoid standing water.
- Planting time: After the earth has warmed up, plant yam sets, or tubers used for planting, in the spring. Set the sets apart by roughly 12 to 18 inches.
Sprinkling
- Daily watering: Yams require steady hydration. Water frequently, but do not let it become too wet, especially in dry spells.
- Mulching: Cover the plants with mulch to keep the soil moist and prevent weed growth.
Fertilising
- Pre-fertilisation: When planting, use fertiliser that is balanced. Mix it into the ground or use it as a side dressing.
- Nitrogen: Nitrogen helps yams develop, but too much of it might result in overly dense foliage. During the growing season, use nitrogen sparingly as a side dressing.
Control of diseases and pests
- Clean planting area: To reduce insect hiding spots, keep the planting area clear of weeds and debris.
- Crop rotation: To lower your chance of contracting diseases from the soil, rotate your crops.
- Chemical and natural controls: For insect management, apply neem oil or other organic solutions. If disease or pest infestations are severe, think about using chemical controls.
Yams: Toxicity
Some people may become irritated while eating raw yams because they contain a naturally occurring toxin called dioscorin. Yams become safe to consume after being cooked since the poisons are completely neutralised. Yams are a nutritious food that may be enjoyed without the risk of toxicity if you make sure to cook them properly and avoid eating them raw.
Yams: Harvesting
Do not rush into harvesting yams because they get fatter in the fall. They fatten and become sweeter, just like parsnips, so wait for the leaves to drop off first. You can even wait till after a frost. Pick the tubers as needed or remove them completely and let them dry on a wire rack or basket before storage. One can get plenty of little yams in addition to all good-sized ones.
Yams: Storage
Refrain from washing the yams to remove the dirt. Keep them in a cool, dry place in a cardboard box. Look for any that seem to be decaying or rotting on a regular basis.
FAQs
How to plant yams?
Plant yam sets in well-drained, loamy soil during spring, spaced 12-18 inch apart in a sunny location.
Do yams need a lot of water?
Yes, yams require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
Can one grow yams in pots?
Growing yams in pots is challenging due to their vining nature. It is best to plant them in the ground.
Are yams toxic?
Raw yams can contain toxins. Cooking thoroughly eliminates these toxins, ensuring they are safe to eat.
When to harvest yams?
Harvest yams when the leaves turn yellow and die back, usually after six to nine months of growth.
How to store harvested yams?
Cure harvested yams in a warm, humid place for two weeks before storing them in a cool, dry location.
Can one eat yams raw?
One should avoid eating yams raw due to naturally occurring toxins. Cooking is necessary to neutralise these toxins.
What pests affect yams?
Pests like aphids and nematodes can affect yams. You can use organic controls and maintain a clean planting area.
Yams can be grown indoors?
Growing yams indoors is challenging due to their space requirements and vining nature. It is better suited for outdoor cultivation.
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