Oca, BK08516.8

BK08516.8 is an heirloom variety originally from Cusco, Peru.  Collected by Ben Kamm of Sacred Succulents; variety names that begin with BK are his collection numbers.

Culinary Traits

BK08516.8 has no tartness but is moderately sweet, a combination that often makes me think of a combination of potato and squash.  This variety loses most of its color with cooking.

Agronomic Traits

BK08516.8 plants are tall, with thick stems, and sprawling at maturity.  Tubers are produced on short stolons and cluster closely under the base of the plant.  Tuberization photoperiod is about 12 hours, the same as most heirloom varieties.  Average yield is 1.3 pounds.  The maximum tuber length is 3.5 inches and the average tuber length is 1.4 inches.  Average tuber count is 21.  This variety produces roughly equal numbers of large and small tubers.

BK08516.8 is a relatively poor flowerer with a short styled flower.  It flowers here in July and August.

What you will receive:

Tubers

You will receive the stated number of tubers, packaged in a wax envelope. We grade tubers by passing them through a grate. Small tubers are those that won’t fall through a 1/3″ grate, but that will fall through a 1 inch grate. Medium/large tubers are those that will not fall through a 1 inch grate.

Seeds

Seeds are open pollinated. Because oca is a polyploid hybrid, the seeds will not grow true to type. They are suitable for use in breeding or conservation efforts and could be used to select varieties similar to the parent type.