The Ultimate Guide to Growing and Cooking Yams

Features and Plant Characteristics

Yams are also starchy plants that have provided much strength, abundance, and versatility to all growing requirements.

• Life Cycle: Yams are perennials that are similar to most annual crops due to frost sensitivity. This drives the cultivation of yams annually in temperate regions.
• Color: The color of the tuber skin can range from purple to brown and white, and the flesh can also range from pale white to deep yellow or purple as well.
• Height: Vines grow 4 to 15 feet (1.2 to 4.5 meters), depending on variety and the growing conditions.
• Flowering: Yams are flowering plants, but the flowers are not usually grown as ornamental species.

• Heat Tolerant: Yams are also adapted to high temperatures, and they grow best in areas having temperatures of 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C).
• Vining Growth: Yams are growing plants that are climbing vines, and their tubers are growing underground, so they can be planted on a trellis in a small garden.

Uses

Yams can be used in many ways:

• Culinary Uses: Yams are used in different ways, and they can be boiled, roasted, mashed, fried, or even used in soups.
• Nutritional Value: Yams contain a good amount of complex carbohydrates, fiber, potassium, and vitamins, among others, which include vitamin C and vitamin B6.
• Medicinal Use: Certain species of yams are also found to possess medical effects, and some are utilized in organic hormone medicine, mainly Dioscorea villosa.
• Cultural Significance: Yams play the role of a value symbol in some cultures that may be applied in a ritual or part of a celebration.

Growing Conditions

Yams are plants that grow best in certain conditions that have a significant influence on the crop, and simple knowledge of these needs results in a great harvest:

• Sunlight: Yam needs to be exposed to full sunlight to grow and should get a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct exposure to sunlight per day. In case of less sunlight, they are likely not to generate enough tubers.
• Soil: Yams do not require very specific soil, though they should be well-drained and have a loose, loamy sand and a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 5.5 to 7.5. They need dense soil to absorb the long, thick roots, which grow underground. For tips on improving heavy or compacted soil for better yam growth, see How to improve the clay soil in your garden.
• Water: Yams require a regular source of water during their growing period, especially when they are forming tubers.
• Temperature: Yams grow best in warm climates, with the best growing temperatures between 75°F and 85°F (24°C and 29°C). They are highly sensitive to frost and will die if exposed to freezing temperatures.

Seed Morphology

Yams are usually not grown from seeds. Instead, they are grown by planting pieces of the yam tuber that have a bud or “eye.” These pieces will sprout and grow into new plants. True yam seeds do exist, but they are small and rarely used because growing from tubers is easier and more reliable.

Germination Requirements

Facilitating the best germination environment of the yams ensures that the yam plants grow and persevere during the growing season.

• Germination: Yams, depending on the temperature and the presence of moisture, will germinate in 2 to 4 weeks after planting. Tuber sprouting may be stimulated by placing the tubers in warm water (12-24 h of soaking) before planting.
• Temperature: The temperature range for the best germination in the soil is 70-80°F (21- 27 °C).
• Active Growth: As soon as the yams germinate, their growth becomes active, and long trailing vines grow. Make sure that the plants get a lot of sunlight and adequate water during this period so as to enhance the growth of the vines.

Propagation and Sowing

This is the proper way of planting yams:

• Planting Season: Plant Yams at the end of spring (after the danger of frost) in temperate regions. They may be planted in any season of the year when the climate is tropical.
• Seed Preparation: Yams can be propagated by planting small pieces of the tubers, which are usually called sets. The sets must be approximately 4 to 6 inches long and have at least one eye or sprout.
• Depth: Planting of yam sets is at 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) deep, making sure the sprout faces up.
• Space: Space yam plants 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) apart in rows that are 3 to 4 feet (1 to 1.2 meters) apart
• Water: Keep the yams watered regularly and do not overwater them. After establishing the plants, minimize water frequency a little bit, so that the soil gets dry between waterings.

Maintenance and Care

This will require proper care to ensure that the yam crop thrives and delivers high-quality tubers:

• Fertilization: Yams respond well to occasional fertilizing by the use of balanced fertilizer, especially at the initial stages of growth. The fertility of the soil can also be enhanced by adding some organic compost or well-observed manure.
• Mulching: Mulching enables conservation of moisture, prevents weeds, and moderates soil temperatures by putting mulch around the plant bases.
• Weed Control: Ensure the surrounding area around the yam plants does not have any kind of weeds, as they might compete for nutrients and water. Weeds should be controlled by hand weeding or mulching regularly.
• Pest Control: Aphids, beetles, and caterpillars are common pests that could have an effect on yam plants. Organic insecticides or manual removal as means of controlling infestations.

Pest and Disease Resistance

Even though yams are rather pest and disease-resistant, they are subject to:

• Pests: Control pests  such as aphids, caterpillars, and root-knot nematodes with the use of insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Diseases: Yams may suffer from fungal diseases such as anthracnose and bacterial wilt. Adequate air circulation, resistant varieties, and crop rotation may prevent the occurrence of diseases.

Storage and Handling

Yams may be preserved in long-term storage conditions in case of proper handling:

• Storage Temperature: Store the harvested yams in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place and preferably between 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15 °C).
• Storage Duration: When the yams are stored under good conditions, they can last 3 to 6 months. It is also advisable not to refrigerate yams because the cold temperatures tend to spoil their texture and taste.

Summary

Yams are healthful, versatile plants that flourish in either tropical or sub-tropical regions. Yams are easily cultivated at home or even on a commercial scale with proper care and diligence. Provide them with the right amount of sunlight, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture, and you can gather strong, delicious yams to help facilitate a long-term food supply.