SoCal Home Gardening

Jicama

Crunchy root vegetable, grows best in warm weather.

Information on Growing Jicama

Jicama, also known as yam bean or Mexican turnip, is a delicious and nutritious root vegetable that can be easily grown in a home garden. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grow jicama successfully:

1. Climate and soil requirements: - Jicama thrives in warm climates with a long growing season. It requires temperatures above 77�F (25�C) for optimum growth. - The soil should be well-draining, loose, and rich in organic matter. It should have a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.

2. Starting seeds indoors (optional): - If you have a short growing season, you can start jicama seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. - Sow the seeds in individual containers with well-draining potting soil. Plant them about 1 inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist. - Place the containers in a warm location, such as near a sunny window or under a grow light, ensuring they receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day. - Transplant the seedlings outdoors once the soil has warmed up and all threat of frost has passed.

3. Direct seeding outdoors: - Once the soil temperature reaches around 77�F (25�C), you can directly sow jicama seeds in your garden. - Choose a sunny location with well-prepared soil. Remove any rocks, weeds, or debris from the planting area. - Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep, spacing them 8-10 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart. - Cover the seeds with soil and lightly pat it down. Water gently after planting to ensure good soil-to-seed contact.

4. Care and maintenance: - Watering: Jicama plants prefer consistently moist soil. Water regularly, aiming for 1-2 inches of water per week. However, be cautious not to overwater as it can cause rotting. - Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. - Fertilizing: Jicama is a heavy feeder. Apply compost or organic fertilizer when planting and side-dress with additional fertilizer throughout the growing season. - Support: Jicama vines are vigorous climbers. Provide trellises or stakes for the vines to climb on to prevent the heavy roots from pulling the plants down. - Weed control: Regularly remove weeds around the plants to avoid competition for nutrients and water.

5. Harvesting: - Jicama is ready for harvest after about 5-7 months, depending on the variety and growing conditions. - Harvest before the first frost or when the vines start to die back. Carefully lift the roots from the ground using a garden fork or shovel. - Allow the harvested root to dry in a warm, dark, and well-ventilated area for about a week before cleaning and storing.

With proper care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of jicama from your home garden. Experiment with different varieties and recipes to fully enjoy this unique and delicious vegetable!

Jicama Varieties

See All Jicama Varieties

Popular Southern California Vegetables

In Southern California, where the climate is generally warm and conducive to a variety of plants, the top 10 vegetables to grow can include:

Bell Peppers: Sweet, colorful, and enjoy sunny conditions.
Bok Choy: Asian green, tender and mild flavor.
Broccoli: Cool-season crop, high in vitamins and fiber.
Carrots: Root vegetable, sweet and crunchy, prefers sandy soil.
Cauliflower: Requires consistent watering and care.
Cucumbers: Refreshing, great for salads, needs regular watering.
Green Beans: Easy to grow, both bush and pole varieties.
Kale: Hardy and nutritious, grows well in cool and warm weather.
Lettuce: Cool-season crop, grows quickly, ideal for salads.
Onions: Essential kitchen staple, can be grown year-round.
Peas: Cool-season crop, includes snow peas and snap peas.
Potatoes: Grown in cool weather, various types available.
Radishes: Quick to harvest, peppery flavor, easy to grow.
Scallions: Also known as green onions, mild onion flavor.
Spinach: Nutrient-rich, prefers cooler temperatures.
Squash: Includes both summer and winter varieties.
Sweet Corn: Requires space and sun, sweet and delicious.
Tomatoes: Versatile and flavorful, thrive in warm weather.
Yellow Squash: Mild flavor, similar to zucchini.
Zucchini: Fast-growing and productive summer squash.

These vegetables are well-suited to the region's unique growing conditions, which include mild winters and long, warm summers. It's always a good idea to consider the specific microclimate of your garden and adjust your planting choices accordingly.

Popular Southern California Flowers

Southern California's climate is ideal for a variety of flowers, thanks to its warm temperatures and ample sunshine. Here are the top 10 flowers that thrive in this region:

California Poppy: The state flower, known for its vibrant orange color, thrives in the sunny climate.
Lavender: Drought-tolerant and fragrant, it is a great choice for Southern California gardens.
Bougainvillea: A hardy vine with colorful blooms, perfect for warm climates.
Bird of Paradise: Known for its exotic, bird-like flowers, it loves the warm weather.
Geraniums: Easy to grow and maintain, they offer bright splashes of color.
Jasmine: A fragrant, climbing plant that grows well in warmer areas.
Marigolds: Hardy and colorful, they can bloom year-round in mild climates.
Roses: Many varieties do well in Southern California, especially when given full sun.
Succulents and Cacti: Including Aloe Vera and Echeveria, they are ideal for the dry climate.
Sunflowers: Thrive in full sun and add a dramatic height and vibrancy to gardens.

These flowers not only add beauty to gardens but are also generally well-adapted to the local conditions, making them easier to grow and maintain.