Purple Yam
Dioscorea alata
Family: Dioscoreaceae
Purple Yam grows in full sun to partial shade and prefers deep, loose, fertile, well-drained soil. Water needs: Moderate.
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How to Grow Purple Yam
Purple Yam growing information includes sunlight requirements of Full sun to partial shade, soil conditions listed as Deep, loose, fertile, well-drained soil with a soil pH of 5.5-7.0, and Moderate water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 9-11. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Purple Yam as Usually propagated from tuber pieces or bulbils, with planting or establishment depth listed as Plant tuber pieces 2-4 inches deep. Days to maturity are listed as 8-11 months.
Plant Overview
Purple Yam (Dioscorea alata) is listed in the Dioscoreaceae family and categorized as a vegetable with a perennial vine life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Moderate.
- Plant ID
- PLT-0140
- Family
- Dioscoreaceae
- Plant type
- Vegetable
- Life cycle
- Perennial vine
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Growing Conditions
Purple Yam is listed for full sun to partial shade conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate. The database soil reference is Deep, loose, fertile, well-drained soil. The listed soil pH range is 5.5-7.0, and the listed hardiness range is 9-11.
- Hardiness zones
- 9-11
- Sunlight
- Full sun to partial shade
- Soil
- Deep, loose, fertile, well-drained soil
- Soil pH
- 5.5-7.0
- Water needs
- Moderate
Seed & Germination
For propagation, the database note is usually propagated from tuber pieces or bulbils. Planting-depth guidance: Plant tuber pieces 2-4 inches deep. The listed time to maturity is 8-11 months. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- Usually propagated from tuber pieces or bulbils
- Seed depth
- Plant tuber pieces 2-4 inches deep
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- 8-11 months
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Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.