About This Variety

Meet This Variety

Iron Stick Chinese yam is a cultivated form of Chinese yam (Dioscorea polystachya), a perennial climbing vine grown for long underground tubers. It needs a deep, loose bed and sturdy support for its vigorous vines.

Chinese yam can spread beyond cultivation and is considered invasive in several U.S. states. Check local regulations before sowing, grow only where permitted, and prevent aerial bulbils or plant material from escaping the garden.

A perennial climbing Chinese yam grown for long underground tubers; check local rules and prevent escape because the species is invasive in some areas.

Growing at a Glance

Botanical Name Dioscorea polystachya
Life Cycle Perennial
Sun Requirement Full Sun
Water Needs Moderate
Soil Preference Deep, loose, fertile, and well-drained

Why Gardeners Love It

Vigorous Climbing Vines

Plants develop long climbing vines that require sturdy vertical support.Climbing vines need sturdy vertical support.

Underground Tuber Crop

Deep, loose soil gives underground tubers room to lengthen and develop.Loose soil gives tubers room to develop.

Perennial Growth

Plants can return from underground growth where winter conditions permit.Plants may return from underground growth.

Best Growing Conditions

Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Moisture Needs
Moderate
Soil Preference
Deep, loose, fertile, and well-drained

How to Grow

01

Check and Prepare

Check local rules, then choose a contained deep bed with sturdy support.

Check local rules and prepare a contained bed.

02

Sow

Sow only where permitted, following the packet's depth and seasonal timing.

Sow only where permitted using packet guidance.

03

Support

Provide a strong trellis before the climbing vines begin rapid growth.

Install strong support before vines climb.

04

Water

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth without leaving it waterlogged.

Keep soil evenly moist, not waterlogged.

05

Harvest

Harvest tubers carefully and remove escaped bulbils or plant fragments.

Harvest carefully and prevent plant escape.

Garden Uses

Vegetable Gardens
Trellis Growing
Edible Landscapes

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