Growing Jicama in Cecil County? - Ask Extension
I live in Cecil County Maryland. I'm looking through a catalogue and see jicama seeds available. The description requires a 5 month growing season. ...
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Growing Jicama in Cecil County? #859183
Asked February 15, 2024, 8:55 AM EST
I live in Cecil County Maryland. I'm looking through a catalogue and see jicama seeds available. The description requires a 5 month growing season. I grow hyacinth beans here, planting them in the ground at the end of May. I do not get anything in until the end of season in September. That's good enough to produce seed for next year. I only grow them as an ornamentals. So I wonder if jicama will produce a significant enough root to harvest in that time frame? Would it need more subtropical heat than we get here? They say to germinate it indoors, as you would tomatoes, basil, or eggplant. I'm not sure that would help much.
Cecil County Maryland
Expert Response
We personally don't have experience growing jicama.
It needs about 150 days to mature from seed sowing. We'd suggest planting seeds indoors and plant transplants after danger of frost (usually Mother's Day is safe but keep an eye on the weather reports and cover overnight if needed.)
It should mature by mid to late Sept.
You will need support for long vines.
And it's good to know that seeds, leaves, and flowers are toxic.
Christine
It needs about 150 days to mature from seed sowing. We'd suggest planting seeds indoors and plant transplants after danger of frost (usually Mother's Day is safe but keep an eye on the weather reports and cover overnight if needed.)
It should mature by mid to late Sept.
You will need support for long vines.
And it's good to know that seeds, leaves, and flowers are toxic.
Christine
