Oca (Oxalis tuberosa). Small but beautiful
In spring, I received some oca tubers. They were planted and cared for reasonably well. But our autumn weather, I can not do much about. The frost came early this year but I pay attention to the weather forecast, and managed to put some bubble wrap over the bed. Later, when the snow arrived, I dug up two plants, but yields were not high. I decided to leave the last plant in the ground, covered in bubble wrap, and deep snow, hoping for it to size up the tubers in early winter.
If the tubers could feel the cold, they would tremble pitifully 
The much longer time in the soil, they tolerated well. Soil, bubble wrap and the thick layer of snow has managed to keep the frost away from the tubers. However, there has been so cold that the tubers is not greater than if I had dug them up with the first. It was otherwise my quiet hope that the extra time in the soil would increase yields.
Oca is not a candidate to be an important crop in my garden before people like Ian Pearson of Growing Oca, Rhizowen from Radix and others have selected some clones that can form tubers much earlier under northern conditions (they must be less day length sensitive). Originally it was the same problem with the potato, but it was solved by plant breeding. Can it be done again?
The beautiful seashell (from scallop) I was sent from Anselmo in Asturias, filled with his fine chilli. His gallery is filled with stunning images from his country house and the region.
PS. Do not ask me how oca taste! I still just dream about it.
January 9, 2011 at 19:30
I’m sorry that your first year with oca was unlucky with the weather. I have had the same problem.
Even if you do not have enough tubers to eat, they are very enjoyable just to look at!
January 9, 2011 at 20:00
They are most pleasing to the eye!
I can grow them for indoor decoration