Arracacia

( ahr - uh - KAY - see - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of herbaceous plants is native to an area that spans from Mexico to Bolivia. The most commonly cultivated species in the genus is Arracacia xanthorrhiza, which is grown for its starchy taproot. Commonly called Arracha, it is a major commercial crop across South America. These plants produce large, herbaceous above-ground foliage that is green and divided, and flowers are creamy white to greenish. Grow Arracacia plants in protected areas of the garden, where their roots have enough underground space to develop well.

Arracacia Species and Varietals

The genus Arracacia is a member of the plant family Apiaceae, and includes around 41 species. These plants grow best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset growing zones 4-26, H1 and H2. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Arracacia xanthorrhiza (Arracha, Racacha, Apio Criollo, Zanahoria Blanca, Virraca, Batata-Salsa, Cenoura-Amarela, Peruvian Parsnip)
These cultivated plants are native to the Andes mountains, where they grow at middle elevations. They produce green foliage and white to greenish flowers. Underground roots are cultivated and harvested, cooked as a root vegetable similar to a potato. Plants typically reach to between 1.5 and 4 feet tall when mature.

Caring for Arracacia

Growing Arracacia outside of its native range can be difficult, especially in the more temperate regions of North America. However, it is still possible to do using a few techniques. These plants prefer to be planted in full sun; ideally, they should receive between 6 and 8 hours of direct sun each day. The more sun Arracacia plants receive, the more energy they will be able to store in their underground storage roots, and the larger the harvest will be. These plants prefer climates that are neither too hot or too cold, and so a protected space in the garden is recommended for growth. Alternatively, they can be grown under hoop houses or tunnels or in greenhouses to maintain the correct temperature and climate requirements. They prefer soil that is well-draining, amended with plenty of compost and organic material. If soil is overly clay or there are hardpan layers underneath the soil, it will need to be broken up and amended with sand and organic material before planting. Alternatively, these plants can be grown in deep containers. The ideal soil pH for growing these plants is between 5.0 and 6.0 (though they can tolerate anywhere between 4.5 and 6.5 without too many issues). Plant out seedlings in early June, or plant root sections in springtime. Water regularly as the roots establish themselves, making sure that excess water is allowed to drain away. If these roots sit in standing water for too long, they will start to rot away or develop fungal issues.

Harvesting Arracacia
Arracha root takes between 10 and 12 months to fully mature, but requires much less fertilizer than similar plants like Potatoes. Many home gardeners in temperate zones in North America's climate choose to transplant out into the garden in early June for harvesting the following year in April, providing protection for the developing plants in greenhouses or under tunnels. At harvesting time, dig a trench along one side of the row of plants, digging down until at least 3/4 of the roots are exposed. Then, carefully lift the roots out of the ground. Rinse off any dirt and debris from the edible roots, and cut them into the desired shape. These roots can be processed and made into breads, curries or soups and can also be roasted, boiled, mashed, or baked as potatoes.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Arracacia can be propagated either by using vegetative cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Arracacia, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Arracacia by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
Harvest your seeds. The seeds are located in the dried flower heads of plants in summertime. This type of propagation can be difficult, because when growing these plants in temperate zones, they do not always want to flower. Cut the entire flower head from the plant and place in in your paper bag. Shake to release seeds, and then separate them out.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next summer, when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Arracacia by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost, and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring (when harvesting plants). To propagate Arracacia plants by division, follow these steps:

Gather your materials. Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the roots. Once you have worked them up out of the ground, lay them out.
Cut the greens off of the root. Then, decide which roots will be harvested and which roots will be saved for replanting.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divided tubers about an inch under the soil surface and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout.