It is unfussy to grow but requires nine months of warm weather before harvest.
In cooler climates, it should bestarted from seed indoorsin the late winter.
Only the flesh of the tuberous root is safe to eat.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
How to Plant Jicama
When to Plant
Jicama requires a long growing season.
Selecting a Planting Site
Jicama plants grow in the ground or in containers.
Either option is suitable depending on the space in your garden.
An area with full sun is a must.
Spacing, Depth, and Support
Like potatoes, jicama grows in rows.
Plant tubers 5 inches deep, spaced 2 feet apart in rows 5 feet apart.
If transplanting seedlings, space them 12 inches apart.
If you want to keep the plants off the ground, they will require support at some point.
Jicama Plant Care
Light
The plant thrives infull sun.
Soil
Jicama grows best inwell-drained soilthat is loamy and sandy with apH between 6.5 and 8.0.
Heavy, wet soils are not suitable.
Water
While it does not tolerate soggy soil, jicama requires consistent watering.
The soil should never dry out.
Water the plant at the soil line rather than on the leaves.
Ensure your jicama plants receive at least 2 inches of water per week to mature and produce healthy tubers.
Fertilizer
Avoidhigh-nitrogen fertilizersthat boost leaf and stem growth.
Instead, encourage root growth by using a potassium-rich fertilizer about once per month during the growing season.
For the amount to use, follow the product label instructions.
Pollination
Jicama plants are self-pollinating, meaning the flowers contain male and female parts required for pollination.
This species is also pollinated by insects.
Potato
While the two tubers share many similarities, jicama andpotatoesdiffer considerably.
Jicama is a legume from the pea family.
It is sweeter, larger, and has a crispier texture that can be eaten raw.
Jicamas are rounder than the oval or long potato varieties, which are nightshade family members.
Stop watering the plants a few weeks before harvesting to begin curing.
Allow plenty of time for the tubers to develop by harvesting jicama late in the season.
Dig up the tubers and remove the vine.
Proper storage is key to preventing it from getting woody and tough.
Use a large pot that gives each jicama vine at least 12 inches of space in either direction.
Plastic, glazed ceramic, and terra-cotta pots are all great options.
Terra-cotta, in particular, allows excess water to evaporate easier.
Pruning
Jicama plants need regular pruning.
Pinch the growth tips to encourage bushy, dense growth.
Also, pinch any flower buds.
Removing flowers prevents the plants from expending valuable growing energy on anything but the roots.
Propagating Jicama
Propagating jicama from tubers yields a much earlier harvest than starting the plant from seed.
ensure to save some of the tubers from your plants for next season.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Jicama is not prone to many pests and diseases.
Potential pests include aphids and bean weevils.
Your jicama plants may experienceroot rotwhen overwatered, so do not oversaturate with water.
Use pots with proper drainage when growing jicama in containers.
Growing jicama is similar to growing potatoes; this root vegetable is easy to grow for most gardeners.
Jicama plants have a long growing season.
From the time of planting seeds, it takes about nine months to harvest vegetables from your jicama plant.
Start seedlings indoors in colder climates before transplanting them to larger containers outdoors in a sunny location.
Only the peeled roots are safe for consumption.
No, jicama is a different plant species.
Youll have more luck with fresh seeds or a tuber that is directly taken from a plant.
What is Jicama?Cleveland Clinic.
Jicama in The Garden.
Utah State University Extension.
