How to grow ulluco
Overview
Ulluco is a tuberous vegetable from the Andes, grown for its colourful, crisp underground tubers. It is a rewarding crop for gardeners who enjoy harvesting a substantial yield at the end of the season, but it requires protection from heat and frost to perform well.
Varieties
- Ulluco 'Red' — Produces bright red tubers with a waxy texture, popular in Australian cool-climate gardens.
- Ulluco 'Yellow' — Yields golden-yellow tubers that are slightly sweeter and less prone to splitting.
Soil Preparation
Ulluco prefers loose, fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Enrich with well-rotted compost or aged manure before planting. Ensure good drainage to prevent tuber rot; raised beds or mounded rows are ideal in wetter areas.
Growing Guide
Plant ulluco tubers or small corms 5–10 cm deep in well-drained, loose soil, spaced 30–40 cm apart in rows 50 cm apart. Choose a position with morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in warmer zones. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; a drip line or soaker hose works well. In cool climates, wait until soil is above 10°C before planting. Mulch heavily to keep roots cool and suppress weeds.
Care
Feed with a balanced organic fertiliser (e.g., 5-5-5) at planting and again when plants are 20 cm tall. No pruning is needed; simply keep soil consistently moist and mulch to retain moisture. Remove any yellowing leaves to improve airflow.
Companion Planting
Grow ulluco with other root crops like potatoes, carrots, and beetroot, or with leafy greens such as spinach and silverbeet that share similar moisture needs. Avoid planting near heavy feeders like corn or pumpkins that may compete for water and nutrients.
Common Pests & Risks
Slugs and snails can damage young shoots and tubers; use iron-based pellets or beer traps. Rodents, especially rats and mice, may dig up tubers; protect beds with fine mesh or traps. Avoid overwatering to reduce fungal issues in the root zone.
Harvesting
Harvest ulluco tubers when the foliage dies back naturally in late autumn or early winter. Gently lift the whole plant with a garden fork, taking care not to damage the tubers. Cure in a cool, dark place for a week before storing.
In the Kitchen
Ulluco tubers have a crisp, slightly nutty flavour and can be eaten raw in salads or cooked like potatoes. They store well for months in a cool, dark place. Boil, roast, or pickle them for a colourful addition to meals.
Troubleshooting
Yellowing leaves: overwatering or poor drainage—reduce watering and improve soil. Stunted growth: cold soil or late planting—wait until soil warms above 10°C. Small tubers: too much heat or dry soil—provide afternoon shade and consistent moisture. Tubers rotting: waterlogged soil—plant in raised beds or mounded rows. Foliage wilting: root damage from rodents—protect with mesh or traps.