Grow White Yam (True Yam), a staple tropical root crop known for its large starchy tubers and impressive productivity. Unlike common “sweet potatoes,” true white yams produce firm, dry-textured roots perfect for boiling, frying, roasting, and traditional dishes.
This heat-loving perennial is typically grown using tuber pieces (called “setts”). Each piece produces a vigorous vine that forms a large edible root underground. Non-GMO true yam planting stock thrives in warm climates and is ideal for outdoor garden beds, deep containers, and homestead-style growing.
Features
- True yam variety producing large starchy tubers.
- Not a sweet potato; authentic root crop.
- Grown from tuber pieces, not botanical seed.
- Heat-loving plant suited for tropical and warm climates.
- Non-GMO, open-propagated planting stock.
- Ideal for deep containers and outdoor garden beds.
- Used for boiling, frying, roasting, and traditional cuisine.
Specifications
- Plant Name: White Yam (True Yam)
- Scientific Name: Dioscorea alata / D. rotundata
- Plant Type: Warm-season tropical root tuber
- Growth Habit: Climbing vine with underground tubers
- Seed Type: Tuber planting pieces (not botanical seed)
- Heirloom: Yes
- USDA Zones: Best in Zones 9–12 outdoors; grow indoors in cooler zones
- Growing Season: Warm-season planting after frost
- Sun Requirement: Full sun to partial sun
- Days to Maturity: 180–300 days
- Germination Method: Grown from planted tuber pieces
- Plant Height: 6–12 feet (requires support)
- Plant Spacing: 36–48 inches apart
- Soil Preference: Loose, deep, well-drained soil
- Water Requirement: Moderate, steady moisture
- Growth Advantage: Very high-yield storage root crop
Planting Guide
- Plant yam tuber pieces (setts) after last frost into deep, loose soil.
- Bury partially (⅓ of tuber above soil) to prevent rotting.
- Provide a sturdy trellis, pole, or fence for the vines to climb.
- Maintain moderate water and avoid waterlogged soil.
- Mulch heavily to retain soil warmth and moisture.
- Allow tubers to grow a full season for best size and flavor.
- Harvest when vines naturally yellow and die back.
- Cure yams in warm, airy space before storing for long life.
- Store in dry, cool conditions to preserve texture.
