Jicama , also known as Mexican yam plant bean or Mexican turnip , can be a challenging plant to grow for some gardeners , but with the proper experimental condition and guardianship , it can be a rewarding and successful attempt . While jicama is typically grown outdoors in full sun , it is possible to cultivate it in glasshouse or indoors with right light .

When it comes to mature jicama , one of the most vital factors to think is the climate . Jicama thrives in warm and tropic regions , where the growing time of year is at least 8 month long . It requires a frost - free period and temperature between 75 - 90 ° F ( 24 - 32 ° C ) for optimum increase . If you dwell in a area with a curt growing time of year or cool temperatures , it may be more challenging to uprise jicama successfully .

If you have a suitable climate , you may protrude grow jicama from seeds or transplant . start from seeds countenance you to have a wider variety selection , but it require a longer prison term to reach maturity . On the other hand , using transplants can expedite the process , especially if you have a shorter growing season .

Here are some key pace to come after when growing jicama :

1 . Soil Preparation : Jicama prefers well - drain soil with a pH chain of 6.0 - 7.5 . Before planting , better the soil with constitutive subject such as compost or aged manure to improve its birthrate and drainage . It ’s also good to loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inch ( 30 curium ) to leave the Tuber to grow freely .

2 . Planting : If you ’re begin from seminal fluid , sow them straight off into the ground or containers after the last Robert Lee Frost date in your area . Plant the seeds about 1 inch ( 2.5 curium ) deep , spacing them 6 - 12 inches ( 15 - 30 cm ) aside . If you ’re using transplants , specify them into the grease at the same depth as they were in their containers , again check proper spatial arrangement .

3 . tearing : Jicama requires consistent wet , especially during its early growing leg . Keep the territory evenly moist but not waterlogged . Irrigate deep , ensuring the weewee reaches the base geographical zone . forfend overhead watering , as it can increase the risk of diseases . Mulching can serve retain soil moisture and suppress sens .

4 . Fertilization : Jicama is a hard feeder , so it benefits from veritable fertilization . implement a balanced plant food , such as a 10 - 10 - 10 or 14 - 14 - 14 blending , accord to the software program instructions . Side - dress the plants with fertilizer about a month after plant and again during the grow time of year to leave a uninterrupted supply of nutrient .

5 . musical accompaniment : As jicama plant acquire , they get long vine that require livelihood . you may offer treillage or stakes for the vines to rise , preventing them from sprawl on the ground and reducing the risk of rot or pest damage .

6 . Pest and Disease Management : Keep an centre out for common pests such as aphid , snails , slug , and spider mites . on a regular basis audit the plant for any signaling of legal injury or plague , and take appropriate measures such as handpicking gadfly or using constituent insecticide if necessary . Jicama is comparatively resistant to diseases , but right spacing , good air flow , and avoiding overwatering can facilitate forbid fungal contagion .

7 . harvest home : Jicama tubers are ready for crop when they achieve a worthy size of it , normally around 4 - 6 months after constitute . The Tuber should be firm and have a fluent cutis . Carefully drudge them out of the grime , take care not to damage them . After harvesting , allow the Tuber to heal in a ardent and wry place for about a week to heighten their smell and texture .

Growing jicama can be a rewarding experience , but it requires patience , tending to item , and suited get conditions . While it is easier to develop jicama in regions with a long rise season and warm temperatures , with proper care and adjustments , it is possible to cultivate jicama in greenhouses or indoor preferences . Experimenting with different techniques and notice what work best for your specific post can lead to a successful jicama crop .

Caroline Bates