This sweet root vegetable sample a small like an apple .
Jicama , a veg in the first place grown and eat south of the border , is tight becoming a snack nutrient and a healthyalternative to friesand scrap . With a grain consanguine to H2O chestnuts and a sweet , almost nutty flavor , jicama add itself to bothsavory dishesand desserts where it ’s sometimes used as a lower - carb apple substitute . This root vegetable has even made it onto the lunch bill of fare in many schools .
Native to Mexico and Central America , jicama has been cultivated for K of year . Jicamagrows exceptionally well in tropic zones , where its foresightful vines can extend to upwards of 15 to 20 feet . Outside the tropics and subtropics , jicama is frost pinnace and must be protected for right growth and harvest .
Credit:Bentaboe / Getty Images
Bentaboe / Getty Images
Although most jicama is grow commercially in the Torrid Zone and subtropics , it can be grown as an one-year crop in area with tenacious , hot summer . Being a day - distance sensitive plant life , jicama needs a long period of warm weather toward the end of the time of year when days are short than 9 hours before the plants will begin to produce tuber . aegis from frostis full of life to glean effective - sized tuber in colder climates .
Where to Plant Jicama
Jicama grows exceptionally marvellous in the Torrid Zone and will even reach upward of 10–15 feet when grown in cool climate as an yearly . Plant these climbers where they ’ll have great deal of uncompromising support and lots of elbow room to circulate . Although plants do not involve as much elbow room at the base , tubers will postulate rich moisture and nutrients to build up cursorily inUSDA Hardiness Zones 7 - 9 , build it unadvisable to engraft near other crops .
How and When to Plant Jicama
Seeds should be seed indoorsupwards of two months before the last frost . This gives plants heap of meter for the seedling to get a header start on growthprior to hardening off and transplanting outdoors . Give plant protection from pests and wind until vine have grown magnanimous enough to plunk for themselves and lessen the danger of photograph off cutter shoot .
Care Tips for Jicama
Light
Jicama needs unobstructedfull sunshine for at least 8 hour per dayduring the growing season . However , to develop genus Tuber , plants must begin to get few than 9 hr of light per sidereal day to set off production . Long growing seasons are crucial for these plant life to receive enough heat while the days begin to abridge .
Soil and Water
Jicama vine do easily in loamy , well - drained soilswith plenty of food and sizeable wet . plenteous soils will provide plants with access to nutrients necessary for big roots and better crops .
Be certain to keep the pedestal of the stem and any exposed ancestor covered with soil . Any peril luck of the plant ( including antecedent ) are highly toxic to both humans and other animal . Do not eat any exposed roots .
Temperature and Humidity
Jicama grows best in hot and humid climates . However , plants can be acquire in cooler climate during the summer if embark on indoors prior to the raise season and not exposed to frigid temperatures during tuber production at the end of the season .
Fertilizer
Fertilize jicama plant at least once a calendar month with ahigh phosphorus fertilizerto assist plants in producing large , tuberous roots . Avoid using fertiliser high in nitrogen , as they will encourage the production of stems and leaves rather than solution .
Pruning
debar pruning flora . rich , healthy vines are necessary for the production of large , edible roots . Pinching back raise tips can help to further shorter , wider ontogenesis . Deadhead any flowersthat are bring on to help divert energy into the roots rather than the product of seed .
Pests and Problems
Due to its perniciousness , jicama is not usually bothered by deer or rabbit . Some works , however , may beattacked by aphids . Spray an insecticidal goop onto the entire plant , above and below the leaves , to control these insects . handle every few days until aphids are no longer seeable .
Harvesting Jicama
From source , you’re able to look to be able to glean your jicama in about 150 day under dear atmospheric condition , but really , jicama can be harvested at just about any time if tubers are present . Older plants , however , will become hard and woody over clock time . you’re able to also wait to harvest your craw until after the plants have begun to set seed which can be collect for planting the next time of year . Please observe , however , that jicama seeds are toxicant and should not be corrode !
How to Propagate Jicama
Jicama can be started from seed or grown from small genus Tuber . Sow seed approximately two months prior to thelast expected Robert Lee Frost date . soaking seeds overnight prior to planting , then sow them about a half inch below the soil surface and lieu planted seeds on a warming mat . Seedlings should begin to uprise within a couple of weeks and can be planted outdoors shortly after that . Plant seedlings about 8 inches apart .
Alternatively , small Tuber from the former year ’s harvest can be planted and allowed to grow throughout the turn time of year . flora tubers at a deepness approximately double their height and allow at least 8 inches between flora .
Frequently Asked Questions
Jicama grows best out of doors with full sun and a long growing time of year of at least 8 months . That pronounce , it can be raise with some success in greenhouses or indoors where they welcome proper light . Plants grow indoors or in pots will lean to grow smaller harvest .
Yes , jicama can be produce in expectant pots . Pots should be at least 10 to 15 gal to ensure plants have right quad , moisture , and nutrients .
Yes , all above - earth portions of jicama plants are poisonous and should not be eaten . Only run through radical that have been completely covered by land throughout their ontogeny . Potted plants may recede grunge over time , and fear should be taken to keep all genus Tuber completely unexposed .
