True Jicama Seeds – Mexican Yam Bean, Crisp Sweet Root Vegetable, 10 Seeds

True Jicama, also known as the Mexican yam bean, is a warm-season root vegetable prized for its crisp, sweet, and refreshing underground tubers. The plant produces vigorous vines with attractive foliage and small, delicate flowers, making it an interesting addition to the vegetable garden or edible landscape. Jicama roots are commonly enjoyed raw in salads, slaws, and salsas, or lightly cooked in stir-fries, offering a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a satisfying crunch.

Native to Mexico and Central America, jicama thrives in long, hot growing seasons and is a rewarding crop for gardeners in warm climates. The vines can reach several feet in length and benefit from a trellis or support to keep the foliage off the ground. With proper care, each plant can produce sizable, round to oblong roots that are ready to harvest when the tops begin to die back.

Plant Features

• Produces crisp, sweet, and juicy edible roots
• Vigorous vining growth habit with ornamental foliage
• Warm-season crop that thrives in hot, sunny conditions
• Roots are versatile in the kitchen, enjoyed raw or cooked
• Attractive small flowers that can attract pollinators

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Pachyrhizus erosus
• Plant Type: Warm-season perennial vine, usually grown as an annual
• Sunlight: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, loose, sandy loam
• Water Requirements: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged
• Growth Habit: Vining; benefits from trellising or support
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11 (grown as an annual in cooler zones)
• Bloom Season: Late summer to fall
• Mature Height: Vines can reach 6-10 feet with support
• Germination Requirements: Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in warm soil (70-85°F); germination typically occurs in 10-21 days
• Spacing: 8-12 inches between plants, with rows 24-36 inches apart

Planting & Care

Start jicama seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost, or sow directly outdoors once the soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed. Soaking seeds overnight before planting can help soften the hard seed coat and improve germination. Choose a sunny location with loose, well-drained soil. Jicama vines require a long frost-free growing season of at least 5-6 months to produce mature roots. Provide a trellis or sturdy support for the vines to climb, which helps keep the foliage healthy and makes harvesting easier.

Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. As the roots develop, avoid disturbing them. Harvest jicama when the tops begin to yellow and die back, usually in late fall. Carefully dig around the roots with a garden fork to lift them without damaging the skin. Store harvested roots in a cool, dry place for several weeks.

What's Included

This listing includes 10 True Jicama seeds (Pachyrhizus erosus).