Should I still protect my Oca?

[womble]

I started mine off in pots on the 24th of March last year, the reason was because of a lack of space to put them in the ground.
Because of this they didn't go out into the ground until very late, I didn't write it down, but I think July ish time.

Two things I think I did wrong, kept them in the pots too long and didn't give them enough fertiliser.

This year the plan is to start them off in pots mid March and plant out in mid May ish time to a well fertilised plot.

[zazen999]

The ones I have in the ground now [which I STILL haven't dug up] were from last year's crop that were missed. So they survived last year's frosts and carried on regardless.

[FROSTYFRECKLE]

My Oca was eaten ages ago and unfortunately the tubers left for this year are too badly damaged by frost to use next year (-18C kills Oca) So this year thanks to a kind Grape I'll grow JA's.

[northepaul]

My Oca was eaten ages ago and unfortunately the tubers left for this year are too badly damaged by frost to use next year (-18C kills Oca) So this year thanks to a kind Grape I'll grow JA's.

Ooh thats bad and it was you who gave them to me too! I know its not much consilation, but I can give you some tubers back, when these have grown if you like? Atleast you can have some for next year then?

[FROSTYFRECKLE]

It's not a problem as I am trying to find who sells Purple Oca, I so want Purple Oca. Real Seeds I believe have over 40 types of Oca but don't have any for sale this year due to their move. So if I start saving now I'll go on a Oca spending spree later on. Just enjoy the Oca, it's fab and weird.

[Jillyreeves]

My Oca was eaten ages ago and unfortunately the tubers left for this year are too badly damaged by frost to use next year (-18C kills Oca) So this year thanks to a kind Grape I'll grow JA's.

Thats a bit rough, do you want me to send you couple back with the other stuff I am sending you

JA's are lovely too though

Purple Oca

[FROSTYFRECKLE]

Thanks but no thanks, Jilly. The space has been allocated to the JA's. I know Purple Oca just sounds fab. If anyone finds out who sells it guess who wants to know I see you've been on a spending spree yourself Jilly, those tatties seem really good choices.

[womble]

Hi Frosty, can I add my voice to the feeling guilty brigade? You sent me my Oca last year as well, so if you need any back, I'll be more than happy to do so. Aren't you a lovely person, sharing with all and sundry!
I haven't got any purple Oca, is there any reason you want Purple? Has it get regenerative properties or something?

[sarraceniac]

Purple Oca contains a peptide. If anyone wants to know about their beneficial health effects then go here http://genesdev.cshlp.org/content/13/20/2650.full and here Peptide Guide - Complete Guide to Peptide Research but take a very good dictionary.

[FROSTYFRECKLE]

I want purple Oca because it's purple A friend of a friend told me about it, did some Googling and thought WOW! No need for guilt trips I'm growing JA's this year instead (kindly donated by Grannymem) and if I can get hold of purple Oca I'll let everyone know (cause I'll want to swap) Thanks for the offer, though, Womble.

Just been reading Sarracenic's links - my head hurts and I need another coffee.