Jicama Planting Guide
April is for jicama
jicama rewards gardeners who pay attention to a few basics. Here's what matters in April, wherever you're growing.
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How to water jicama
Consistent moisture matters more than volume for jicama. Little and often beats occasional drenching.
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Where to put jicama
South-facing beds are ideal for jicama. Shade from nearby trees or fences costs real production.
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Check your local forecast before planting
Your zone determines the exact week to plant jicama. Pick your county below and we'll line everything up against your frost dates.
Jicama is a tropical legume grown for its crisp, sweet, starchy root. It requires a very long, warm growing season but produces a refreshing, water chestnut-like tuber.
Pachyrhizus erosus ยท Vegetable ยท Fabaceae family ยท 120โ180 days to maturity
Get Your Personalized Jicama Planting Dates
Enter your ZIP code to see exact planting dates, soil compatibility, and growing tips specific to your county.
Where Can You Grow Jicama?
Jicama Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Jicama planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 7a | Feb 4 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Aug 12 โ Oct 21 |
| Zone 7b | Jan 28 | Mar 25 | Apr 1 | Aug 5 โ Oct 14 |
| Zone 8a | Jan 18 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | Jul 26 โ Oct 4 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 7 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | Jul 15 โ Sep 23 |
| Zone 9a | Dec 30 | Feb 10 | Feb 17 | Jun 23 โ Sep 1 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 14 | Jan 25 | Feb 1 | Jun 7 โ Aug 16 |
| Zone 10a | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | May 14 โ Jul 23 |
| Zone 10b | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | May 14 โ Jul 23 |
| Zone 11a | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | May 14 โ Jul 23 |
| Zone 11b | Nov 20 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | May 14 โ Jul 23 |
How to Plant Jicama
Growing Conditions
โ๏ธ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
๐ง Water
Moderate โ regular watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Consistent moisture produces the best results.
๐งช Soil pH
6 โ 7.5
Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil โ ideal for most garden beds.
๐บ๏ธ Hardiness Zones
Zone 7a โ 11b
๐ Days to Maturity
120โ180 days
Long-season crop. Start indoors in cold climates to get a head start.
๐ช Plant Family
Fabaceae
Rotate with other families yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don't plant in the same spot where Fabaceae family crops grew last year.
How Much Jicama to Grow
Jicama takes 120โ180 days to mature. In most zones you'll get one harvest per season, so plant enough to last.
Companion Planting for Jicama
โ Good Companions
โ Keep Away From
Check more combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Growing Tips for Jicama
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Pinch off flowers to direct energy to root development. Harvest before first frost when roots are 3-6 inches across.
Saving Jicama Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Seed Saving & Storage Guide
Most saved seeds go bad before next season. This shows exactly when to pick, how to dry, and where to store seeds from 200 plants so yours don't.
- 200 plants, step-by-step: life cycle, pollination type, isolation
- Exact temperature + humidity ranges that keep seeds viable
- Bonus: searchable Google Sheets tracker + custom GPT assistant
Jicama by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Jicama?
Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) takes 120 to 180 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Jicama grow in?
Jicama can be grown in USDA zones 7a through 11b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Jicama need?
Growing Jicama requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate โ regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.5.