Yams require a fertile, well-drained soil with a high organic matter content. Plant at the beginning of summer in areas that receive a wet season. They will grow in full sun or semi-shade but need a trellis.
Where do yam grow?
True yams are grown in the tropical climate of the Caribbean and Africa and imported to America. It's not often I find one in the grocery store, but I did recently. The yam I found in the produce section was grown in Peru. The sweet potato, which was marketed as a yam, was grown on a North Carolina farm.
What climate do yams grow in?
Yams are native to the tropical areas of the world, and grow in the relatively hot conditions of U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 12. Their climbing vines have heart-shaped leaves, and their underground tubers grow to weights of typically between 3 and 8 pounds.
What zone do yams grow in?
Zones. Zones 8 to 10 have success with growing yams. True yams can't have any cold temps for their entire growing season, which can be as long as 11 months, though some are ready for harvest after 5 months.
How long does it take to grow a yam?
Yams typically take about 14 weeks to mature. They should be harvested when the tops of plants start to go yellow and wither. Harvesting generally occurs in autumn. Remove yams from the soil.
