How to Grow and Raise Jicama

Jicama is native to Central and South America, growing in warm climates with extended growing seasons. It is tricky to grow in the United States because most growing seasons aren't long enough, but it has been grown with some success in Texas, Florida and California. Jicama, which resembles a turnip with white roots and long, green stems, thrives in rich, well-draining soil in full sun. Plant jicama as early as you can to get large vegetables and to avoid losing produce with the autumn frosts.

Rototiller
Wood ashes
Trellis
Jicama seeds
Mulch
Pitchfork

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare a sunny site for planting by tilling it and working a potassium source such as wood ashes into the soil. Add compost and sand to the soil to increase its drainage and nutrient qualities. Install a trellis or climbing strings for the plant.
- 2
  Soak jicama seeds in warm water overnight before planting and drain them the next morning. Only soak them right before you plan to plant, when the soil is warm and all chance of frost is gone.
- 3
  Plant the seeds six inches apart by pressing them about one inch into the soil. Position the rows 12 inches apart.
- 4
  Water the jicama moderately, about one inch per week.
- 5
  Mulch around the plants with an organic mulch such as compost or manure after they are established -- with at least three leaves around the base. This adds nutrients to the soil and keeps weeds at bay.
- 6
  Remove flowers from plants after they appear. This encourages the roots to grow larger.
- 7
  Harvest the jicama in the fall using a pitchfork as you would for potatoes.
  Jicama requires five to nine months to become mature. The longer they are in the ground, the larger the roots will be.

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