When should I plant Yam?

Move seedlings into the garden 2–4 weeks after your last spring frost.

How far apart do I plant Yam?

Space Yam about 12″ apart. It grows best in full sun.

What grows well with Yam?

Good companions for Yam include Bush Bean, Sweet Corn, Cowpea.

What zones does Yam grow in?

Yam is suited to USDA zones 9–12 and takes ~300 days to harvest.

How to grow Yam (Dioscorea alata)

The true tropical yam: a climbing vine that swells a huge starchy tuber underground, a staple across Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.

Quick tip

Plant tuber pieces and give the vigorous vine a tall, strong trellis. It needs a long warm season; lift the big tubers before cold. Not the same as sweet potato.

☀️ Full sun↔ 12″ apartZones 9–12⏳ ~300d

When to plant Yam

Transplant outMove seedlings into the garden 2–4 weeks after your last spring frost.

At a glance

Botanical name

Dioscorea alata

Companion planting

Plant near

🌱 A rampant climbing tuber - let it scramble up corn or a stout trellis while legumes feed the soil.

Plan Yam for your zone →