{"id":1675,"date":"2023-07-11T18:54:16","date_gmt":"2023-07-12T01:54:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/?p=1675"},"modified":"2023-07-11T18:54:16","modified_gmt":"2023-07-12T01:54:16","slug":"how-to-grow-jicamas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-jicamas\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Jicamas &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"https:\/\/www.gardeningeats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/How-to-Grow-Jicamas.png\" alt=\"jicamas plant growing in garden\" title=\"\"><\/p>\n<p>Discover the joy of growing jicamas, a delicious and easy-to-grow vegetable known botanically as <em>Pachyrhizus erosus<\/em>. In this guide, you&#8217;ll learn the essentials of cultivating jicamas successfully and how to avoid common pitfalls along the way.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-jicamas\/#Quick_Reference_Guide_for_Growing_Jicamas\" title=\"Quick Reference Guide for Growing Jicamas\">Quick Reference Guide for Growing Jicamas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-jicamas\/#Best_Time_to_Plant_Jicamas\" title=\"Best Time to Plant Jicamas\">Best Time to Plant Jicamas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-jicamas\/#How_to_Plant_Jicamas_the_Right_Way\" title=\"How to Plant Jicamas the Right Way\">How to Plant Jicamas the Right Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-jicamas\/#How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Jicamas\" title=\"How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Jicamas\">How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Jicamas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-jicamas\/#How_Much_to_Water_Jicamas\" title=\"How Much to Water Jicamas\">How Much to Water Jicamas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-jicamas\/#How_Long_Does_it_Take_Jicamas_to_Germinate_and_Grow\" title=\"How Long Does it Take Jicamas to Germinate and Grow?\">How Long Does it Take Jicamas to Germinate and Grow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-jicamas\/#When_to_Harvest_Jicamas\" title=\"When to Harvest Jicamas\">When to Harvest Jicamas<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-jicamas\/#What_Can_Jicamas_Be_Used_For\" title=\"What Can Jicamas Be Used For?\">What Can Jicamas Be Used For?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-jicamas\/#Can_Jicamas_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\" title=\"Can Jicamas Grow in Pots and Containers?\">Can Jicamas Grow in Pots and Containers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-jicamas\/#Are_Jicamas_Safe_for_Bees\" title=\"Are Jicamas Safe for Bees?\">Are Jicamas Safe for Bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Quick_Reference_Guide_for_Growing_Jicamas\"><\/span>Quick Reference Guide for Growing Jicamas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<th>Aspect<\/th>\n<th>Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Best Time to Plant<\/td>\n<td>2 weeks after the last spring frost<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Soil Type<\/td>\n<td>Loose and well-drained with pH levels of 5.5 to 7.0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Plant Spacing<\/td>\n<td>Thin seedlings to 12&#8243; apart in rows 2-3&#8242; apart<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Sunlight<\/td>\n<td>Full sun<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Watering<\/td>\n<td>Keep soil damp to touch, not soggy or bone dry<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Germination Time<\/td>\n<td>14-21 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Harvest Time<\/td>\n<td>120-150 days from seed to harvest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Harvest Size<\/td>\n<td>Roots should be 3-6&#8243; in diameter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Plant_Jicamas\"><\/span>Best Time to Plant Jicamas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>While the ideal planting time depends on your local climate, a good rule of thumb is to plant jicama seeds 2 weeks after the last spring frost. This timing helps ensure that seedlings survive the weather. To find out when jicamas are most likely to thrive in your area, consult the <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a>. For those living outside the US, search for &#8216;plant hardiness zone + [city]&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plant_Jicamas_the_Right_Way\"><\/span>How to Plant Jicamas the Right Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Consider the following factors to avoid common jicama-growing mistakes and maximize your chances of a bountiful harvest:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Soil:<\/strong> Choose loose, well-drained soil with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esf.edu\/pubprog\/brochure\/soilph\/soilph.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pH levels<\/a> between 5.5 and 7.0.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Spacing:<\/strong> Sow seeds 1&#8243; apart in rows 2-3&#8242; apart, at a depth of 12-15&#8243;. Plant multiple seeds per hole to ensure germination.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Thinning:<\/strong> Once seedlings reach 3-4&#8243; tall, thin them to 12&#8243; apart.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Jicamas\"><\/span>How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Jicamas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Getting the right amount of sunlight is crucial for a successful harvest. Too much sunlight can dry out your jicamas, while insufficient sunlight can stunt growth or even kill the plant. Ideally, jicamas should receive full sun throughout the day.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_to_Water_Jicamas\"><\/span>How Much to Water Jicamas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Proper watering is essential for healthy jicamas. The soil should be damp to the touch, but not soggy or bone dry. Monitor your plants for signs of over- or underwatering, such as discolored or drooping leaves, and adjust your watering routine as needed.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_it_Take_Jicamas_to_Germinate_and_Grow\"><\/span>How Long Does it Take Jicamas to Germinate and Grow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It&#8217;s exciting to watch your jicamas grow from seeds to harvest-ready plants. Expect germination to occur within 14-21 days, with the entire growth process taking 120-150 days from seed to harvest.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Harvest_Jicamas\"><\/span>When to Harvest Jicamas<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Harvest your jicamas when the roots have reached 3-6&#8243; in diameter. At this size, the plants will typically stand 4-6&#8242; tall.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Jicamas_Be_Used_For\"><\/span>What Can Jicamas Be Used For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Food Use:<\/strong> Jicamas are delicious raw in salads or cooked in stir-fries and soups.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Flavor Profile:<\/strong> The crispy, sweet taste is reminiscent of pears or <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-apples\/\" title=\"apples\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">apples<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Jicamas_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\"><\/span>Can Jicamas Grow in Pots and Containers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, jicamas can be successfully grown in pots and containers. Plant up to one jicama per 20&#8243; container to help control weeds and prevent the plant from becoming unruly. Container gardening also allows you to easily move your jicamas to adjust sunlight exposure or protect them from harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Jicamas_Safe_for_Bees\"><\/span>Are Jicamas Safe for Bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Jicamas are indeed safe for bees. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/usa\/sustainable-agriculture\/save-the-bees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GreenPeace.org<\/a>, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world&#8217;s nutrition. Given their crucial role in our ecosystem and food supply, it&#8217;s important to note that growing jicamas is bee-friendly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the joy of growing jicamas, a delicious and easy-to-grow vegetable known botanically as Pachyrhizus erosus. In this guide, you&#8217;ll learn the essentials of cultivating jicamas successfully and how to avoid common pitfalls along the way. Quick Reference Guide for Growing Jicamas Aspect Details Best Time to Plant 2 weeks after the last spring frost Soil Type Loose and well-drained with pH levels of 5.5 to 7.0 Plant Spacing Thin seedlings to 12&#8243; apart in rows 2-3&#8242; apart Sunlight Full sun Watering Keep soil damp to touch, not soggy or bone dry Germination Time 14-21 days Harvest Time 120-150 days <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1623,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,232],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1675"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1675"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1675\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1801,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1675\/revisions\/1801"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1623"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1675"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1675"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1675"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}