Most people are familiar with the root of Jicama, a vine that is native to Mexico.Jicama, also known as yam bean, can be found on tables in Mexican restaurants and is often used in recipes such as fresh salads, salsas, and soups.Jicama requires a long growing season in order to produce the roots and meat.Jicama grows best in warm climates throughout Central America and the USDA zones 7 through 10.To grow jicama, you need to plant the seeds, care for the plant, and harvest it.
Step 1: After the danger of frost has passed, plant jicama.
Jicama doesn't do well during a frost, so wait to plant until the weather warms up.One to two weeks after the last frost in your area, plant your jicama.If you live in an environment that stays mostly cold, the jicama plant may not grow well.
Step 2: The jicama seeds can be obtained.
Unless you already have seeds, you will need to get them.Jicama seeds can be purchased in a variety of places.Before planting, make sure you check the packet for the right seeds.
Step 3: Put the seeds in a container.
The jicama seeds should be put in water.Place seeds in water.Allow them to sit for 24 hours.The seeds should be removed from the water.
Step 4: There is a good location.
A place in your garden that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day is a good place to look for.The location you grow the jicama will affect the harvest.The location should be exposed to full sun for six to eight hours.
Step 5: The location should have good soil.
There is a location with moist but well-drained soil.The soil should have a pH over 7.A commercial pH tester can be used to test this.If you want to grow the seeds before the last frost, you can plant them in a pot indoors.In a medium-sized pot, you should use planting soil, perlite, or vermiculite.The pot should be placed under a grow light.Before you plant the seeds in the garden, you should wait for them to grow to 3 in (8.6 cm) tall.
Step 6: Water the seeds.
You will need to take care of the seeds if you plant them in a pot before the frost.Water the seeds until the last frost, once you have planted them in a medium-sized pot.If the soil feels dry, water the seeds.
Step 7: There are small holes.
The holes should be about 1/6 inch in depth.The number of seeds you have to plant affects the amount of holes you dig.The holes should be at least 12 inches apart.The rows should be 2 to 3 feet apart if you plant more than one row.
Step 8: The jicama seeds should be placed in the soil.
You can either dig the holes or plant the seeds.The soil should be warm and moist.Put the seeds down lightly.
Step 9: The jicama seeds can be watered lightly.
When the soil becomes dry, sprinkle water over it.Even if the soil is dry, don't saturate the seeds with water.Once you sprinkle the water, the soil will feel moist.To regulate how much water you pour onto the soil, use a watering can.
Step 10: It's a good idea tofertilize jicama once a month.
It is possible to use an all-purposefertilizer.The instructions for fertilization can be found on the package.The base of the plant is where you need to apply thefertilizer.Fertilizer can be purchased at a nursery or many home improvement stores.If you don't know which brand to buy, ask an employee at the nursery for recommendations.
Step 11: The jicama plant needs to be staked.
Jicama vines need support as they grow.When the vines are about 24 inches long, Stake them.The jicama vine can be found next to the wooden tomato stakes.Tie each plant with twine.
Step 12: For dry soil, check the jicama plants daily.
As the jicama grows, keep the soil moist.If you feel the soil with your hand or fingers, it's time to dig.Only water when the soil is dry.
Step 13: Deadhead the blooms.
There are tiny flowers on the jicama.The root growth is encouraged by removing the flowers.You can remove them with tools.
Step 14: Don't worry about pests.
Jicama isn't likely to have pests during growth.The flowers, seeds, and leaves are poisonous.You can either use an organic pest spray or remove the pests yourself.When buying pest spray, make sure you know what pests you are targeting.
Step 15: The tubers can be dug from underground.
The tubers should be unearthed using a trowel.It's best to dig your tubers before the first frost.150 days is how long it will take from the time of planting.If the vine shows signs of dying, unearth the tubers earlier.The removal of the tuber should be done with care.Take your time.The tubers should be 3-6 inches in diameter.
Step 16: The tubers should be collected.
The tubers should be round.Tubers with visible cracks should be thrown out.Remove the soil from the tubers.Remove clumps of mud or soil by soaking or washing them.Allow them to dry.
Step 17: The tubers should be stored.
Jicama plants will degrade if they are stored in a location with a low temperature.It's best to store them in a location with a temperature of 53 to 60 degrees.This could be in a garage or basement.The location should be dry.It shouldn't be wet or humid.If stored properly, the jicama can be eaten for up to two months.The jicama can be kept in bowls, racks, or pans.