Jicama — also known as the Mexican turnip — is a crunchy, refreshing root vegetable that’s gaining popularity in home gardens thanks to its sweet flavor and crisp texture. While it thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, you can grow this nutritious tuber at home with the right technique, even if you’re new to vegetable gardening.
Whether you want to add something new to your garden beds or fill your kitchen with fresh, homegrown produce, growing jicama can be both rewarding and fun. With a bit of planning and care, you’ll be harvesting sweet, juicy tubers that transform salads, slaws, and snacks.
Why Grow Jicama at Home?
Jicama is not only delicious but also packed with fiber and vitamins. When you grow it yourself:
-
You get the freshest possible produce
-
You save money compared to store-bought roots
-
You enjoy gardening success with a unique crop
To walk through the complete growing process — from planting to harvest — this detailed Jicama Growing Guide offers expert tips and easy-to-follow steps.
Choose the Right Spot and Soil
Jicama thrives in warm, sunny conditions. Choose a planting site with full sun exposure — ideally 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Rich, well-drained soil is essential; jicama roots like room to expand, so loosen soil deeply and work in organic compost to boost fertility.
Planting Jicama
Jicama is typically grown from tuberous root cuttings rather than seeds:
-
Select healthy, firm tubers and cut into sections with at least one growth bud.
-
Let the cut pieces dry for a day to form a callus — this helps prevent rot.
-
Plant them about 3–4 inches deep in the prepared bed or large container.
Spacing is key — give each plant plenty of room so roots can grow unimpeded.
Watering and Maintenance
While jicama doesn’t like waterlogged soil, consistent moisture is important, especially during flowering and root expansion. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and soil conditions. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Nutrients and Care
Jicama appreciates balanced nutrition. A general organic fertilizer applied at planting and mid-season supports robust growth:
-
Use compost or slow-release feeds to encourage strong root development
-
Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can promote leafy growth at the expense of tubers
Harvesting Jicama
Timing your harvest makes all the difference. Jicama tubers are usually ready 180–240 days after planting, once foliage begins to yellow and die back. Carefully dig tubers to avoid damage — they don’t store well if bruised.
For more pro-level tips on timing, care, and maximizing flavor and size, check out this complete Jicama Growing Guide. It outlines each stage clearly so you can grow with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Growing jicama at home is a rewarding project that elevates your vegetable garden and puts a delicious, crisp crop on your table. With the right site, feeding strategy, and consistent care, you’ll enjoy bountiful harvests of sweet, refreshing tubers.
Ready to dive deeper and grow jicama like a pro? Explore the full Jicama Growing Guide for complete instructions and expert advice!