How to Cultivate Jicama at Home for Fat and Sweet Tubers, Easy for Beginners

Jicama, also known as Mexican potato or potato peas, is a delicious and crisp tuber rich in fiber and vitamins. Cultivating jicama at home can be a rewarding experience, especially for beginners in gardening. Here is a practical guide to grow jicama at home and get large and sweet tubers.

Soil Preparation and Plantation

Start by choosing a sunny location for your jicama garden. Prepare the soil by plowing it deep to ensure good drainage. Add compost or decomposed manure to enrich the soil with nutrients.

Plant your jicama seeds directly into the soil after the last frosts. Make holes about 2.5 cm deep and plant a seed in each hole. Space holes about 30 cm apart to allow the plant to grow fully.

Care and maintenance

Water your jicama plants regularly to keep the soil moist but not wet. Avoid excess water to avoid root rot. Feed your jicama plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

  • Bite the jicama plants to help them develop larger tubers. This involves bringing back soil around the base of the plant to encourage tuber growth below the surface.
  • Protect your plants from pests by using natural methods such as crop rotation or natural repellents, if necessary.

Harvest and Storage

Jicama harvest usually occurs between 5 and 9 months after planting, when leaves begin to yellow and fall. Use a shovel or fork to dig up the tubers carefully to avoid damaging them.

After harvest, let the jicama tubers dry in the air for a few days to harden. Store them in a cool and dry place for several weeks for further use.

Culinary uses of Jicama

Jicama can be eaten raw or cooked and is often used in different recipes for its sweet and crisp taste. You can cut it into sticks for healthy snacks, grat it for salads or cook it in sautéed or roasted dishes.

With these simple steps, you can start growing your own jicama at home and enjoy this delicious sweet tuber. It is an easy and rewarding culture, even for beginners in gardening. Then start and enjoy the pleasures of jicama culture in your own garden.