What are the growing conditions for Arracacia xanthorrhiza?

Arracacha prefers well-drained, fertile soil and a warm, humid climate. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires consistent moisture.

How long does it take for arracacha to mature?

Arracacha typically takes between 8 to 12 months to mature after planting, with harvesting usually occurring before the onset of colder weather or heavy rains.

What are the culinary uses of arracacha roots?

Arracacha roots can be boiled, roasted, fried, or mashed, similar to potatoes. They are also used in soups, stews, and as a thickening agent in sauces.

Can arracacha be grown from seed?

Arracacha is primarily propagated vegetatively from root segments or side shoots, as seeds can be difficult to germinate and may not produce true-to-type plants.

What are the nutritional benefits of arracacha?

Arracacha is a good source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and vitamin C. It also contains smaller amounts of B vitamins and minerals like potassium and calcium.

Peruvian Carrot (Arracacia xanthorrhiza) – Benefits, Growing Guide & Care

Arracacha Toxicity

Safety information from plant toxicity data

Toxicity details for Arracacha
Attribute	Value
Toxic for humans	No 0/5 intensity
Toxic for pets	No 0/5 intensity
Edible	Yes

None

Arracacha Quick Facts

Key traits and growing stats from plant data

Plant Type: Herb
Plant Category: Vegetable
Plant Place Type: Garden, Pot
Plant Environment: Outdoor
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Height: 1.0-1.5 m
Spread: 0.5-1.0 m
Tall Or Wide: Tall
Growth Rate: Moderate
Dormancy: None
Leaf Color: Green
Leaf Type: Compound
Flower Size: Small
Optimal Sunlight (lux): 100000

Care guide for Arracacha

Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data

Water

Arracacha requires consistent moisture, especially during its active growth phase. Water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Reduce watering slightly during cooler periods or if the plant is dormant, allowing the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.

Pruning

Pruning is generally not required for arracacha unless removing dead or damaged foliage. The plant naturally forms a bushy habit.

If harvesting, the entire plant is typically dug up, and any remaining aerial parts are discarded.

Propagation

Arracacha is propagated vegetatively from root segments or lateral buds found on the main root. Ensure each segment has at least one bud.

Plant these segments directly into well-draining soil in a warm environment, ideally in spring.

Repotting

Repotting is usually done when propagating or transplanting. Arracacha does not require frequent repotting as it is often grown as an annual or for a single harvest.

If a container specimen needs more space, repot into a larger container with fresh, well-draining potting mix.

Identify plants like this with ePlant AI

Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.

Try for Free

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JanPeak fruit · Feb

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · AprPeak fruit · Oct

FloweringFruiting

Image Gallery

Photos of Arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza)

Distribution

Where Arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza) is found

100%

Density

0

<1k

1–5k

5–10k

>10k

Distribution map for Arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza)

Tap map to enable zoom

Density

0

<1k

1–5k

5–10k

>10k

Tap map to explore

Arracacha Names & Synonyms

Common names and botanical synonyms

Common Names

Arracacha
Peruvian-Carrot
Peruvian-Parsnip
White-Carrot

Synonyms

Arracacia andina Britton
Arracacia esculenta DC.
Bancroftia xanthorrhiza Billb.
Conium arracacia Hook.

Arracacha Taxonomy

Botanical classification

Taxonomic classification of Arracacha
Rank	Name
Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Apiales
Family	Apiaceae
Genus	Arracacia
Species	Arracacia xanthorrhiza

Similar Plants

Similar in genus Arracacia

Arracacia brandegeei

Arracacia aegopodioides

Arracacia atropurpurea

Arracacia bracteata

Arracacha FAQs

Answers based on plant encyclopedia data

What are the growing conditions for Arracacia xanthorrhiza?
Arracacha prefers well-drained, fertile soil and a warm, humid climate. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires consistent moisture.
How long does it take for arracacha to mature?
Arracacha typically takes between 8 to 12 months to mature after planting, with harvesting usually occurring before the onset of colder weather or heavy rains.
What are the culinary uses of arracacha roots?
Arracacha roots can be boiled, roasted, fried, or mashed, similar to potatoes. They are also used in soups, stews, and as a thickening agent in sauces.
Can arracacha be grown from seed?
Arracacha is primarily propagated vegetatively from root segments or side shoots, as seeds can be difficult to germinate and may not produce true-to-type plants.
What are the nutritional benefits of arracacha?
Arracacha is a good source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and vitamin C. It also contains smaller amounts of B vitamins and minerals like potassium and calcium.

ArracachaArracacia xanthorrhiza

Arracacha Care Summary