Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Jicama — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Pachyrhizus erosus |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 14–21 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 23.9–29.4 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 150–210 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature height (cm) | 152.4–304.8 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 30.5–61 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 9–11 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Sow scarified seeds 1 in deep in loose, deep, well-drained soil 2–4 weeks after the last frost once soil is thoroughly warm. Jicama is a vigorous vine requiring a sturdy trellis; pinch flower buds as they appear throughout the season — leaving flowers reduces tuber size dramatically since the plant diverts energy to seed set. Begin harvesting small tubers at about 5 months; larger tubers become more fibrous if left past 9 months. Only the roots are edible — all above-ground parts, including seeds and pods, contain rotenone and are toxic.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0