🫚 Oca

Sowing window (UK)	April to May
Minimum soil temperature	10°C at seed depth
Sowing depth	5 cm
Spacing	90 cm apart
Days to germination	21 days
Days to harvest	210 days
Sowing method	Direct sow outdoors
Frost hardy	No
Sun	full-sun
Watering	moderate
Plant family	Oxalidaceae

When should I sow Oca in the UK?

In the UK, sow Oca from April to May. It is normally sown direct outdoors. Wait until the soil has reached 10°C at seed depth rather than going by the calendar - oca will sit and rot in cold ground.

What soil temperature does Oca need to germinate?

Oca needs a minimum soil temperature of 10°C at seed depth to germinate reliably. Below that, germination is slow and patchy, and seed is more likely to rot than sprout. Measure at around 5cm down, in the morning, rather than trusting air temperature.

How deep and how far apart should I sow Oca?

For Oca, sow it 5cm deep and space plants 90cm apart.

How long does Oca take to grow?

Oca takes roughly 210 days from sowing to harvest. Seed usually germinates in about 21 days.

Is Oca frost hardy?

No. Oca is not frost hardy. Do not put it outside until the risk of frost has passed in your area, and be ready to fleece it if a late frost is forecast.

Sowing data cross-checked against RHS growing guides and UK seed-merchant catalogues. Soil temperatures are the minimum for reliable germination, measured at seed depth.