How To Cut Yam For Planting?

Last updated on July 16, 2025

Cutting yam the right way can save you money and multiply your harvest. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to cut yam for planting using the field-tested minisett method. You’ll learn how to pick healthy seed yams, prepare the pieces, and plant them for success — all from my firsthand experience farming in Nigeria.

To cut yam for planting, slice cured tubers into 100–150g pieces called minisetts, each with one eye, and treat with ash or fungicide before planting.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

You’ll learn exactly how to cut yam tubers for planting using the proven minisett method. This guide offers expert tips, visual examples, and real-life insights from my farming experience in Nigeria. You’ll know how to multiply your yam stock, avoid costly mistakes, and boost your harvest — whether planting on a farm or in urban sacks.

Why Cut Yam Instead of Planting the Whole Tuber?

Planting whole yams wastes resources. Cutting yams into “minisetts” yields 4–10 viable pieces per tuber. Each can produce a full yam plant. It’s an efficient, affordable method — field-tested for years across Nigeria.

Here’s why minisetts are a game-changer:

• Cost-saving: You may need only 1.5–2 tons of seed yam per hectare, instead of 5 tons. This efficiency directly impacts your farm’s profitability. For full profitability breakdowns, see how lucrative yam farming in Nigeria can be.
• Disease control: Properly cut, treated, and cured minisetts reduce tuber-borne disease risk.
• Uniform sprouting: Carefully sized setts sprout more evenly, giving your crop a head start.

🔍 Did You Know? According to the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), cured minisetts treated with ash can improve sprouting by 25%.

📈 Research Highlight: High-Yielding Yam Varieties

The National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) highlights the potential of improved varieties. For instance, their “SHARP-SHARP” yam (UMUDr36) boasts an impressive yield potential of 33.8 tonnes per hectare and matures in just 180-210 days, significantly boosting farmer returns.

Estimated Yam Yield Per Hectare

Here’s an estimated yield comparison based on planting method:

Yam Variety (Example)	Planting Method	Estimated Yield (Tonnes/Hectare)	Notes
White Yam (D. rotundata)	Minisett	15 – 25	Requires good management
White Yam (D. rotundata)	Full Tuber	10 – 18	Higher seed cost, less efficient
Water Yam (D. alata)	Minisett	20 – 35	Often higher yielding than white yam
NRCRI “SHARP-SHARP” (UMUDr36)	Minisett	Up to 33.8	Improved variety, fast maturing
Average Nigerian Yield	Various	~7.94 (2020)	National average, includes all methods

Choosing the Right Yam for Seed Use

Not all yams are equal for planting. Picking the right one is your first crucial step for a successful harvest.

Seed Yams vs. Ware Yams: What’s the Difference?

When planting, you’ll hear about “seed yams” and “ware yams.” Seed yam is a small yam tuber (200–300g) grown specifically for propagation. Farmers specifically grow or set them aside for next season’s planting.

Ware yam is a large tuber (over 1000g) primarily grown for consumption. But some can be repurposed for seed if firm, disease-free, and not too old.

💡 Pro Tip: I prefer firm, medium-sized D. rotundata or D. alata yams. They should have rested 4–6 weeks post-harvest. These sprout well and resist rot.

How to Recognize Yam ‘Eyes’ and Dormancy Status?

Successful yam cutting relies on tiny “eyes” or sprouting nodes. Yam ‘eyes’ are small buds on the tuber’s skin that develop into new shoots. They are the yam’s little babies, ready to pop out! They are small, raised bumps or depressions on the yam’s skin, usually clustered around the head. Every single one can sprout a new vine.

Before cutting, check if your yam is sleeping. Dormancy is a natural resting period for yams after harvest, during which they will not sprout. A dormant yam won’t sprout immediately. Yams usually go through dormancy after harvest.

For best results, pick yams just waking up (showing tiny sprouts) or properly cured and stored. A healthy, non-dormant yam has visible, plump eyes. If your yam is still deep in its slumber, “cure” it first to encourage sprouting.

🧪 Optional test: Keep a few yams in a sack with a banana or ripe plantain. Ethylene from the fruit can help break dormancy naturally.

Step-by-Step: How to Cut Yam for Planting

Alright, this is where the real work begins. Getting your yam cutting technique right is essential for strong, healthy sprouts.

When is the Best Time to Cut Yam & How to Prepare?

Cut your yams 2–3 weeks before the rains (February–March in most parts of Nigeria). To determine the optimal time for your region, consider which month is best for yam planting and the best time to plant yam in Nigeria by zone. Let tubers cure in a dry, shaded place for 7–14 days before cutting. Use sharp stainless steel knives or machetes. Sanitize with diluted bleach or heat.

📦 What I do: I lay the yams on a raised wooden rack — not on bare ground. This keeps them clean and dry before cutting.

How to Cut Yam into Minisetts (Sizes, Angle, Orientation)?

The idea is to create “minisetts” or “cut-setts”—small pieces, each with at least one good eye. A minisett is a small piece of yam tuber (100–150g) cut for planting, designed to maximize propagation from a single tuber. This is the core of cutting yam setts.

1. Inspect the yam: First, look at your yam. Find the head (where the old vine was attached) and the tail. Eyes usually concentrate around the head.
2. Section the yam: Cut the yam into cylindrical sections, roughly 5–7 cm long. Think of them as little yam logs.
3. Cutting yam setts: From these logs, make angled cuts. Create pieces weighing about 100–150 grams — about the size of a medium chicken egg. Each sett must have at least one visible eye. Cut at a 45° slant angle to maximize surface area and reduce rot risk. Avoid soft, bruised areas. Discard any with internal rot or pests.
4. Orientation: This is key! Pay attention to how the yam naturally grew. The end closer to the original yam’s head should ideally be the “top” of your sett when you plant it. It makes a difference, believe me.

✅ Quick Answer: How to cut yam Cut yam tubers into 100–150g minisetts with at least one eye. Treat with wood ash or fungicide and cure for 24–48 hours before planting.

Why Curing Yam Setts Matters (And How to Do It Right)

Once you’ve made those cuts, exposed surfaces invite rot and disease. Treating them is crucial for high success. This protects your investment! Learn how to treat yam setts before planting effectively.

• Natural Treatment: Immediately dust or dip each piece in wood ash.
• Fungicide Treatment: For more robust protection, especially in humid areas, use a recommended fungicide (e.g., thiabendazole or Benlate). Mix according to instructions and dip the cut surfaces.
• Curing Process: Lay treated minisetts in a single layer in a cool, dry, well-ventilated, shaded area for 24–48 hours. This healing period allows the cut surfaces to form a protective layer — a process called suberization. Studies show this forms within 2–3 days and helps prevent rot Scientific Research Publishing, Effect of Curing Treatments, p. 1126.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t stack them. Spread in a single layer on a screen or perforated surface.

✅ Quick Answer: Curing time Cure cut yam minisetts for 24–48 hours in a cool, dry, well-ventilated, shaded area to allow the cut surfaces to heal and form a protective layer.

How to Plant Your Cut Yam Pieces for Best Growth?

You’ve done the hard work of cutting and treating. Now get those precious yam pieces into the ground. This is where your patience pays off.

What’s the Ideal Soil & Setup for Yam Planting?

Yams love good living conditions! That means well-draining, loose, fertile soil. Here in Nigeria, sandy loam soil works best. It’s fantastic because it lets tubers expand freely.

Traditionally, we create raised mounds or beds, about 1 meter high and 1 meter in diameter. These mounds ensure excellent drainage and give tubers plenty of loose soil to grow big and strong. If you’re short on space, no wahala! You can also plant in large sacks or containers with good quality potting mix. The golden rule? Avoid waterlogging at all costs. It’s a fast track to rot.

💧 Personal trick: Mix decomposed poultry manure with topsoil 2 weeks before planting. It helps root development.

How to Space, Depth, and Orient Your Yam Setts?

Proper planting yam setts involves careful spacing and correct orientation. It’s like setting up a good foundation for your house.

• Spacing: If planting in mounds, one minisett per mound is common. If doing rows on a flat bed, aim for about 25–30 cm between pieces, and 1 meter between rows. IITA recommends 1m x 1m spacing for commercial yam production, though narrower spacing can be used for smaller setts IITA, Yam Husbandry Protocol, p. 6. This gives each plant enough room and good air circulation. This helps keep diseases at bay.
• Depth: Plant 5–7 cm deep. While some protocols suggest up to 10 cm deep IITA, Yam Husbandry Protocol, p. 6, I’ve found 5–7 cm works perfectly in my soil. Too shallow, they might dry out or get exposed to pests. Too deep, and sprouting can be delayed, or they might not even make it. Stick to that sweet spot.
• Cut-face orientation: This is super important: Always plant your yam piece with the cut face pointing upwards. Why? Because the eyes, which will sprout into vines, usually sit on the upper part of the original yam. Planting the cut face down can lead to delayed sprouting or, worse, your precious sett rotting away. Don’t make that mistake!

📏 I use a simple stick marked at 6 cm depth — no guessing.

✅ Quick Answer: Planting depth Plant yam cuttings (setts) about 5–7 cm deep with the cut face pointing upwards.

✅ Quick Answer: Ideal spacing For mounds, plant one minisett per mound. For rows on a flat bed, aim for 25–30 cm between pieces and 1 meter between rows.

Watering Your Yam Setts

Right after planting, give your newly planted yams a good drink. Water lightly to keep the soil moist, not soggy. Remember, yams don’t like wet feet.

Mulching for Moisture and Weed Control

Mulching is your best friend here, seriously. Cover your mounds or planting areas with a thick layer of organic mulch – dry grass, rice husk, or palm fronds work wonders. This isn’t just for show. It helps keep the soil moist, fights off pesky weeds, regulates soil temperature, and slowly feeds your yams as it breaks down.

Initial Care for Yam Setts

Mulch also protects tender young sprouts from the harsh sun and creates a cozy microclimate for them. For initial care, just keep an eye out for sprouts (they might take a few weeks to show their faces) and make sure the soil stays consistently moist. Monitor for early weeds — yam hates competition in the first month.

Alternative Propagation Methods

While the minisett method is what I swear by, it’s not the only way to grow yams. It’s good to know your options, right? Explore various yam propagation methods in Nigeria.

Tuber Slices vs. Minisett Method: Which is Better?

Tuber slices are cheaper but prone to rot. Minisetts last longer after curing and have higher sprouting rates.

✅ Quick Answer: Tuber vs. minisett vs. bulbils Tuber Slices: Cheaper but more prone to rot. Minisetts: Small pieces (100-150g) cut from tubers, last longer after curing, and have higher sprouting rates. Bulbils: Small aerial tubers from some yam species, harvested and planted directly; yield smaller tubers initially.

Can You Propagate Yams from Bulbils & Vine Cuttings?

Some yam species, like the aerial yam, produce “bulbils”—small, mini-yams that grow right on the vine. Bulbils are small, aerial tubers that grow on the vines of some yam species, used as an alternative planting material. You can harvest these and plant them directly, like tiny seeds. They’ll give you smaller tubers in the first year, but they’re a fantastic source of planting material for the next season.

Vine cuttings are another option. However, they’re less common for our traditional tuber yams (Dioscorea rotundata, D. alata) in the open field. This involves taking sections of the yam vine and rooting them. This method sees more success with certain species, like the Chinese yam (Dioscorea polystachya). It often needs controlled environments like aeroponics or mist propagation for optimal rooting.

🧪 Aeroponics Tip: You can root vine cuttings in water or cocopeat if kept warm and humid. Use rooting powder for faster results.

When Yam Cuttings May Not Work (Tropical vs. Temperate Species)?

The success of vine cuttings varies by yam species. Our tropical yams, common in West Africa, mostly rely on tuber propagation. Getting vine cuttings to root successfully in open fields can be a real challenge. Temperate species, like the Chinese yam I mentioned, are more forgiving with vine cuttings. This makes them a viable alternative for propagation. So, always do your homework on your specific species. Don’t assume one method fits all! Trial first before large-scale planting.

Aftercare: Tips to Maximize Sprouting & Yield

Getting your yam pieces in the ground is just the beginning. Proper aftercare? That’s where the real magic happens for a bountiful harvest. It’s like nurturing a child; you can’t just leave them to figure things out on their own!

Why and How to Stake Yam Vines?

Yams are natural climbers; they need support. Staking yam vines involves providing physical support, like poles or trellises, for the yam plant to climb, which improves light exposure, air circulation, and tuber development.

As soon as vines pop out (usually a few weeks after planting), get those stakes in. I use sturdy poles, about 2–2.5 meters tall, driven firmly into the ground next to each yam plant, or sometimes between two plants. IITA also recommends stakes between 1-3 meters high, used individually or in groups IITA, Yam Husbandry Protocol, p. 6.

Vines will naturally twine around these supports. It’s a beautiful thing to watch. Staking isn’t just about looks. It ensures maximum sunlight, improves air circulation (which helps keep diseases away), and encourages the plant to focus energy on growing big, healthy tubers instead of sprawling. I usually aim for one good 2-meter pole for every two yam plants. It works like a charm.

🎍 I use old bamboo or dry corn stalks — cheap and strong.

How to Manage Common Yam Pests & Diseases?

Just like us, yams can get sick or be bothered by unwanted guests. Common culprits include:

• Nematodes: Tiny, annoying roundworms that attack roots and tubers. Yam nematodes are microscopic roundworms that infest yam roots and tubers, causing damage like galls and reduced yields. They cause galls and seriously cut down your yield. My best defense? Crop rotation. Don’t plant yams in the same spot year after year.
• Yam beetles
• Soft rot and anthracnose

Be vigilant! Regularly inspect your plants. If you spot issues, address them promptly. Treat soil with neem powder or rotate with maize or legumes every season. Practicing yearly crop rotation is a simple, powerful way to break pest and disease cycles. It’s a fundamental farming rule. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) highlights that “Yam diseases can be controlled by several integrated control practices,” including healthy planting material and crop rotation ResearchGate, Yam Diseases and Management in Nigeria, p. 500.

When Should You Transplant Yam Sprouts or Vines?

Generally, we plant yam setts directly where they’ll live. Transplanting yam sprouts or vines isn’t common for our traditional tuber yams. It can stress the plant and affect tuber development.

However, if propagating from bulbils or vine cuttings in a nursery or sack farms, transplant them to the main field once they have a strong root system and a few true leaves. This usually happens when they’re about 15-20 cm tall. Water well before and after. Transplant early morning or evening to avoid heat shock. It’s a different ball game for those.

Troubleshooting & Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned farmers like me make mistakes. I’ve learned a few things the hard way. Let me share some common pitfalls when planting sliced yams, and how you can steer clear of them.

Mistakes to Avoid: Thin Cuts

If your cut yam sett is too small (under 100g), it won’t have enough stored energy for a strong sprout and good tuber. You’ll get weak plants, or nothing sprouts. It’s like running a marathon on an empty stomach.

Mistakes to Avoid: Infections

Dirty tools or contaminated soil invite pathogens. They’ll cause rot. Always sanitize your tools, and ensure your soil is healthy.

Mistakes to Avoid: Bad Curing

Skipping the crucial healing period or curing setts in a damp, stuffy place is a recipe for disaster. Cut surfaces won’t form a protective layer, making them susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections. This is precisely why I emphasize the yam healing period with wood ash. It’s a small step that saves many tears later. Wet setts? They rot. Always let them cure before planting.

Mistakes to Avoid: Planting Too Deep/Shallow

Plant too deep, and sprouting delays. The sprout struggles to emerge. Plant too shallow, and your sett is vulnerable to drying out, pests, and sun scorch. Stick to 5–7 cm depth. It’s the sweet spot.

Mistakes to Avoid: Poor Drainage

Yams hate wet feet. If your soil is heavy clay or you don’t create raised mounds, water will sit around the sett, leading to quick rot. Ensure your soil drains well. If water pools, you’ve got a problem.

🛑 Never plant in soggy or compacted soil. It suffocates the yam.

Mistakes to Avoid: Overcrowding & Spacing Management?

It’s tempting to plant many yams in a small area. But trust me, overcrowding is a big no-no. Too many plants too close means they’re all fighting for nutrients, water, and sunlight. This leads to smaller tubers and reduced overall yield. It’s like putting too many people in a small room; nobody thrives. Stick to the recommended yam mound planting spacing guidelines (around 25–30 cm between pieces, 1 meter between rows/mounds) to give each plant the space it needs to truly flourish. Always thin out double sprouts — keep the strongest one.

How to Cut Yam for Planting in Nigeria (Minisett Guide + Farmer Tips) FAQ

Got questions? I’ve got answers, straight to the point:

My Experience: How I Cut Yams for a 15 t/ha Yield in Nigeria

I’ve grown yams on my family farm in Kwara State, Nigeria, for years. I’ve learned a thing or two about getting a good harvest. My soil is primarily sandy loam. This is fantastic for yam development because it allows tubers to expand freely, no wahala with hard ground.

My process for how to cut yam for planting is straightforward but disciplined. After harvest, I carefully select firm, cured yams. Then, I cut them into 120–150g setts. I make sure every single piece has at least two visible “eyes.” The moment a yam is cut, I immediately dust the fresh surface generously with dry wood ash. I’ve found this traditional method incredibly effective for preventing rot; it’s a trick my grandfather taught me.

After that, I lay them out in a single layer under a shaded, well-ventilated shed for a full 48 hours to cure properly. I always leave the scars visible – it helps me easily monitor sprouting once in the ground.

When it’s time to plant, I stick to the raised mound system like glue. I make sure each mound is about 1 meter high and well-mulched. I plant one minisett per mound, cut-face up, about 6 cm deep. Spacing is crucial: 1 meter between mounds.

As soon as the first vine emerges, I get the stakes in—sturdy 2–2.5 meter bamboo poles. This consistent approach, combined with regular weeding and keeping an eye out for pests, has consistently given me yields around 15 tonnes per hectare. While average yam yields in Nigeria were around 7.94 t/ha in 2020, achieving higher yields like 15 t/ha is possible with good management practices, especially for white yam ResearchGate, Determinants and Constraints influencing Yam Production in Nigeria, p. 5.

It’s hard work, no doubt, but seeing those massive tubers at harvest time? E go sweet well, well! It makes all the effort worth it.

For more insights into yam growth, you might be interested in how long yam takes to grow in Nigeria. And if you’re exploring other crops, don’t miss our guides on planting sweet potato slips or finding the best cassava variety in Nigeria. We also have resources on how much you need to start a cassava farm and how profitable cassava farming is. For general planting schedules, check out what is the best time to plant pawpaws and what is the best month to plant onions.