Olluco
Ullucus tuberosus
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Pl. 5B12 — Ullucus tuberosus
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IOverview
Overview
Olluco, scientifically known as Ullucus tuberosus, is a perennial plant native to the highlands of Argentina Northwest, Bolivia, and Peru. It thrives in full sun and moist, light (sandy) to medium soil conditions, making it adaptable but requiring careful cultivation for optimal growth. Known for its edible tubers, which are often used in traditional Andean cuisine, olluco is a valued crop in the region. One distinctive feature of this plant is its small stature, typically reaching only 0.3 meters in height, yet it stands out as an important part of local agriculture and culinary traditions.
Quick answers
What is Olluco?
Olluco, scientifically known as Ullucus tuberosus, is a perennial plant native to the highlands of Argentina Northwest, Bolivia, and Peru. It thrives in full sun and moist, light (sandy) to medium soil conditions, making it adaptable but requiring careful cultivation for optimal growth.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Olluco thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It prefers a hardiness zone of 8-10, making it suitable for temperate regions. This perennial plant grows to about 30 cm tall and produces edible tubers. For successful cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while providing ample sunlight.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
8-10
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Olluco for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple, sunny spot and basic soil preparation for your first attempt at growing Olluco.
- 1
What you'll need
Olluco tubers, garden tools like a trowel, and containers if planting in pots.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil has warmed up and all frost danger is past.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining spot with light or medium soil. Amend the soil with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant tubers 5-10 cm deep, spaced about 20-30 cm apart in rows 60 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil stays consistently moist but not soggy.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any dead leaves to maintain plant health. Harvest tubers after 6-8 months when they are fully developed.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:tubers
Edible uses: The olluco plant's tubers are edible and can be prepared in various ways. They are often cooked or boiled before consumption, though they may also be eaten raw. Skip
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
3 native · 4 introduced
Distribution
3 native · 4 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 3 native· 4 introduced
Americas5 regions
native (2)BoliviaPeru
introduced (3)ColombiaEcuadorVenezuela
Broader regions
native:Argentina Northwest
introduced:Chile North
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 5b12963d-54f8-4f97-96fa-75129d666c44
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