Growing Jicama In Our Midwest Zone 6b Garden From Start To Finish

The first thing to know about Jicama is that all parts of the plant are poisonous except the underground peeled tuber. I wasn't sure if I could even grow Jicama well in our zone, but I thought I would give it a try. I'm glad that I did, because it did better than I expected. I grew about a half dozen plants in one of our large tomato cages, and I ended up with a decent harvest. A couple of them were very nice sized, considering I didn't give them much care except for watering them.
The first thing you should know about Jicama is that all parts of the plant are poisonous except for the tuber. And you have to make sure to remove the skin of the tuber also. I was looking for more crops that I could grow vertically, and Jicama fits the bill.
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I garden in zone 6b, in the state Kansas. I would love to hear from you, so feel free to comment, make suggestions, ask a question, give tips, tell about your garden, or even offer constructive criticism.
Thanks for watching!

[@gceagle]

Greetings from Australia! Jicamas sold in the local grocery shops are small to medium size and it costs $15 to $18 a kilo! We started planting them 5 years ago. Yearly, we would germinate the dark brown seed in good potting soil in the last month of Winter, placing them in the mini green house. They grew very well in the mini green house. In the first day of Spring, we transferred the seedlings into the rectangular/square planter boxes filled with good quality potting soil (previously planted them into the ground but the clay soil affected their growth and productivity). At different times, we fertilized them with seaweed solution, compost tea and chicken poo pellets according to expert gardeners' advice and also monthly fertilized them with Epsom salts. We had gathered and saved enough seeds from previous plants so the new jicama plants would not be allowed to bear flowers so the plant's energy is focused on increasing the size of the tubers. By the blessing of the good Lord, my tubers are larger than my head. Jicamas take about 9 months to reach a good size in Queensland. We started harvesting them when MOST of the leaves of the plants turn brown. Many of our friends greatly enjoyed my tasty jicamas. You can have the same results, too. Happy gardening, Midwest Gardener! 🤓🤓 By the way, there are many interesting and delicious recipes for jicamas on You-tube. Since I am an organic farmer, my family and I eat them raw after peeling off their skins and they are so juicy and delicious! Hee! Hee!

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing all the detailed information on what has worked well for you. It's much appreciated! I'm sure others will appreciate it too. Yes, they can be too expensive here too, when you can find them. Happy gardening!

[@crazyplantlady2403]

I grow them in pots, zone 5, then set out the pots when it gets warm enough. I've never had seeds! that's really cool!!

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing how you grow them!

[@makeoversbymeme2077]

That’s awesome. How did you start them if you didn’t have seeds? I am in zone 5B and I want to grow some this year. When did you start them indoors? Excuse all my questions. Thanks for any help.

[@crazyplantlady2403]

@@makeoversbymeme2077 Sorry, I meant that I've never had mine produce seeds.

[@ddennis6398]

I am planning to grow jicama soon. Wow, I didn't know anything above the ground was poisonous. That is probably the case for other plants too. Thank you for this video.

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome! Glad I could help!

[@sherrybarnes7240]

I started Jicama seeds inside under lights this spring. They took a long time to sprout. I planted the seedlings in 2-3 gallon pots. Only 1 plant is beginning to bloom. The other plants, I have trimmed off any vining, so it will concentrate on the tuber. We had a cold and wet spring in the Pacific Northwest, so our growing season is short this year. So far, most of the pots have about tangerine size bulbs, from feeling around. I’ll wait another week before harvesting one, to see how it turned out. Then harvest the rest before frost comes. I hope to get some seeds for next year. Its been fun!

[@MidwestGardener]

Glad you enjoyed the experience, Sherry. We did too.

[@maimclean7493]

WOW what's a treat this's .i helping out at our local farm here in NC .and one day they're cleaning out the seed freezer. And there was a pack of 11years old jicama seed .i planted and got so many of its I found out nobody wanted them.i ate as much as I Could. 😆 Haven't grown any more sense. Thank you for the memories.

[@MidwestGardener]

That is impressive that the seeds would still sprout after that amount of time! Too bad you couldn't get some helping with eating yours, after growing it so well :)

[@Beautybydrose]

The seeds and seed pods are actually edible. In my culture we add it to our dishes. It’s so good.

[@MidwestGardener]

I've heard that, but I read just the opposite when I researched on the internet.

[@TommyMLe]

Jicima seeds and pods contain rotenone. If the average Joe out there were to eat the Jicima seeds and pods, they'll definitely have some discomfort and side effects from the toxin. People from your culture are probably immune from it due to frequent consumptions. My family frequently eat raw young almonds (including the seeds) when it's in season. It's highly advisable not to eat raw almond seeds due to the cyanide it contains, but my family has eaten it for generations. I personally think we're immune to it 😅 Cambodians love eating raw young almonds with salt, sugar, chilli pepper, and fish sauce. My family also tends to eat tomato vines and leaves (I personally don't just because I'm not a fan of tomatoes). But according to Google you're not supposed to eat tomato vines and leaves because it contains solanine.

[@rebekahtucker3631]

Thank you for putting this video out. On a whim, I decided it would be fun to grow jicama this year but we are in a northern climate and I wondered if it would do anything. Your video encourages me!

[@MidwestGardener]

Good luck! You never know until you try :)

[@spoonnwithsunshinehomestead]

Growing it for the first time right now. It's seems to be harvest time.

[@MidwestGardener]

Nice! I hope you enjoy.

[@carlajeannette3711]

Just discovered your channel. I have six jicama started in my greenhouse and ready to plant them out. I sure like eating jicama so hope to have a good crop.

[@MidwestGardener]

Good luck with yours! It was fun to grow.

[@MsDjeL98]

Zone 9 here. Just started jicama from seeds. I'm excited to see how my harvest will be. Thanks for sharing your video. It's such an inspiration 😉

[@MidwestGardener]

Nice! I hope they do great for you! Glad the video was helpful :)

[@growwell8872]

We grew jicama from seed last year, started indoors-they performed above ground similar to what you show-slow to start. Once they had green tops the deer started trying them! They didn’t like them, as you might expect- but they would pull them up and leave them lying on the ground! I did my best to bury them back but I ended up with only a couple of baseball sized tubers! Seeing the size of the tap root on yours I understand why! This year I’ll cage them and we should have a great harvest-also 6b, northwest Arkansas . Thanks for the content! 👩🏼‍🌾

[@MidwestGardener]

Those deer sure can be a pain sometimes. Hope you have much better luck this year!

[@CBsGreenhouseandGarden]

Never heard of these before Mr. Jim. You done one heck of a job going those monsters! Amazing how all parts of the plant is poisonous. Thanks for letting folks know that in case they are first timers. Stay safe and have a great weekend!

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks CB! Yep, we were happy with how they turned out, since I didn't really know what I was doing. You have a great weekend too!

[@hongvo8207]

Thank you for sharing, I have no idea the plant itself are poisonous . I love using them in my stir fry and using them in fresh rolls!

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for sharing how you use Jicama! That's very helpful.

[@dianenantucket]

I live in zone 9, reading about jicama, articles state zone 11 and 12 are for growing. You are in zone 6 and were successful. Going to try this.

[@MidwestGardener]

I think it should be a piece of cake in your zone. Good luck! It never hurts to try.

[@ashleymaeseatriz6273]

I am from the Philippines and we definitely eat the seed pods. It is actually my first time to hear that it is poisonous.

[@MidwestGardener]

I've heard from others who eat them too, so I'm guessing it must depend on timing. I think I'm going to stick with the underground tuber.

[@dr.lucikidd2208]

Sounds like it took 4-4.5 months to grow the jicama. I imagine as soon as the last spring frost passes is the ideal time to sow seed directly in ground. Can you tell me how big were the plants you transplanted that did not take?

[@ericarobbin]

I love eating slicing into sticks and eating with hummus. I haven’t tried growing it though. Your plants look so healthy! Good to know what parts not to eat!

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks Erica! Yes, it works perfectly with hummus. They did much better here than I expected.

[@tigersaint124]

Mine didn't take transplant very well so I'm starting over. I'm doing large grow bags and planting the seeds directly.

[@MidwestGardener]

Yes, I think they do better when planted directly. Good luck with yours.

[@UT33200]

A really cool plant and some good info. Never grown that but looks like a huge container hassle so will have to put it on my 'grow in future' list. Thanks for the share!

[@MidwestGardener]

Yes, it would be a little tricky to grow in a container. It's great to have a grow in the future list though!

[@reddevil331]

Just received some jicama seeds in zone 10. Good info, I would be probably wondering the same as yourself in this situation as well.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks! Hope you enjoy growing them as much as we did.

[@arceliacody5151]

Ideal size for us is the medium ones. Their crunchy. It’s excellent for salads too.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for the tip on size, Arcelia!

[@lkk2044]

Will be growing jicama for the first time. From Hawaii in zone 11. In garden beds.

[@MidwestGardener]

Nice! Good luck!

[@rosea830]

Good morning! I'm not sure about jicama just yet, but we will be trying sunchokes this year. Yacon did very well and we'll be growing that again.

[@MidwestGardener]

Good morning Rose! It's great to hear that your Yacon did well. Yacon seems to do pretty well in our sandy loam soil. It's one more thing to add some variety to the garden.

[@chrisd530]

I'm glad you did not get sicama from the jicama.

[@MidwestGardener]

:)

[@ofrecentvintage]

Growing it for the first time this year from seeds I got last year. I hope they're still viable!

[@MidwestGardener]

I'm not sure how long the seeds are viable. Good luck!

[@ofrecentvintage]

@@MidwestGardener Thank you!

[@MidwestGardener]

@@ofrecentvintage You're welcome!

[@doraw7766]

Thank you.

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome!

[@canadiankabingurl9782]

Interesting! I do grow turnips but never tried Jicama ☺ 👍 I like to steam my turnips, add to stews, and raw with hummus or spinach dip. Thanks for sharing ☺ 👍

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks! And thanks for the tips on turnips.

[@reneebaranoski9576]

Next year for sure 😊

[@MidwestGardener]

It's worth a try. Good luck!

[@cjdumpty]

I am in zone 6b. Mine last year didnt germinate. I will try again this year but indoors with grow lights and a heat mat.

[@MidwestGardener]

They should germinate indoors for you. I tried both ways, and liked planting them directly in the soil best.

[@bereal2493]

Thats awesome i have my seeds sprouting in wet paper towel. The one i direct sowed into pot didn't come up. I will try to sow inground...thanks for sharing 🤗🌱

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome!

[@WhatWeDoChannel]

I didn’t even know it existed until I watched your video! I would love to see more about how it tastes and how you use it! Klaus

[@MidwestGardener]

I will probably give it a try again this year, so I will keep that in mind when the time comes. Thanks for watching, Klaus!

[@aquiconfeya]

Used as part of a green salad, just cut it small pieces and add in any salad. Or with lime, salt and 😋 yummy

[@dinnerpartyempire]

it's like a super mild, not very sweet or tart apple

[@AnOldSchoolHome]

This is quite important to know! Although poisonous, the above the ground part of the plant makes a great hedge.

[@MidwestGardener]

I didn't know about it making a good hedge. Interesting.

[@SashaDeKasha]

@@MidwestGardener lol! I’m trying to cover a section of ugly wall in the backyard and thought this would be great because it’s so pretty:))

[@MidwestGardener]

@@SashaDeKasha I'm thinking that the bean pods might spoil the look of it.

[@SashaDeKasha]

@@MidwestGardener I’ll try because nothing so fat seems to be doing well on that wall and this is much cheaper experiment than buying plants from the store just to watch them die :)

[@MidwestGardener]

@@SashaDeKasha Here's my chance to pay you back for finding my mistake.....did you really mean nothing so fat :)

[@BobMelsimpleliving.]

You had really good success with it. No I'm not planning to try it. To much other stuff going on. Happy Weekend. Best wishes Bob.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks Bob! We did ok for our first try. Happy weekend to you too :)

[@gelwood99]

I do like the taste of it and I have bought it before. Nice to know it is easy to grow! Thanks!

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome! It worked well for us this time. I hope it does as well the next time.

[@Ahmad-of8xr]

It's very interesting as I live in very different climates, warm around the year

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks! They might grow well there.

[@edwinbarredo4484]

... SEED PODS are Edible especially the "young pods"... You can have it STEAM as side dish... or Mixed it with other VEGGIES.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks Edwin. I know it's not the ultimate authority, but even web md says it's poisonous. It's interesting that so many people disagree.

[@tripleSlecx]

I wish the were more research on the toxicity of the beans as it is overplayed. I grew up eating them either steam or mixed in soups.

[@lionofgod5843]

I’m hoping to grow jicama this season.

[@MidwestGardener]

Good luck with it!

[@sub04aru]

Grew jicama in Kentucky in 2021 and surprised my parents that are from Mexico and were sure jicama couldn’t grow here. Will try again this year although my seeds are having less germination rate so far this year. Good luck!

[@MidwestGardener]

I bet that was a pretty cool surprise for your parents. Well done!

[@crazyplantlady2403]

I heard if you soak the seeds for 24 hours first they have a better germination rate.

[@sub04aru]

@@crazyplantlady2403 yes, this is what I do. The seeds I used this year were from the same batch I used in 2021 so I probably didn’t store them correctly or I simply changed the way I germinated them this year. I saved some seed pods this year so I’ll try again next year.

[@lar113]

One reason I love to garden is there always seems to be something new to try. For 2021, I will try growing potatoes from a peel in a 5 gal bucket. I wonder of I can grow Jicama in another 5 gal bucket, or will the taproot need more space? I really enjoy your channel, very inspirational.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thank you very much! I think growing Jicama in a bucket is worth a try. I think a five gallon bucket should give it enough room. Good luck with growing the potatoes from a peel. That is a pretty fun project.

[@eduwigespalmer2984]

April 2022- now I’m ready to plant my jicama seeds. Poteet, TX (South of San Antonio)

[@MidwestGardener]

Good luck! I hope they do well for you!

[@annimonylutz3164]

Interesting because in the Philippines we eat the bean pods and it’s delicious. 🤔

[@MidwestGardener]

I've heard of them being eaten when they are very young, but I wouldn't be willing to try it because of what I've read.

[@pahoua3277]

My family love this plant!

[@MidwestGardener]

You are not alone. I've heard from many who do.

[@giangseattle]

Nice! I am seeding about 3 inches tall now.

[@MidwestGardener]

Good luck with your seedlings!

[@yvonnepizarro3600]

I’m going to try growing Jicama this year. Wish me luck 🤞🍀😉

[@MidwestGardener]

Good luck! Hope you enjoy growing it as much as we did.

[@damarisvega865]

Try it raw, sliced up with some lime and salt! That is how I’ve grown up eating them. I never new they could be grown outside the tropics!

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for the tip! I wasn't sure how they would do here, but they did pretty well.

[@amandamendoza4181]

So neat. Thanks for sharing this one!

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome, Amanda!

[@ipeefreely2364]

I grew some this year in San Diego. I like to slice them into sticks. add Lime n Tajin on mine.

[@MidwestGardener]

Sounds delicious!

[@elvaastudillo]

Loved 🥰

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks Elva!

[@missgoodvibes8912]

Omg those seed pods are what asians likes to eat! So hard to find those and too expensive here in bay area at the farmers market every summer season.

[@MidwestGardener]

Yes, I've heard that they are ok when young and tender, but later they could be a problem.

[@noemisalamante3115]

Thank you for sharing!

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome!

[@JS-jh4cy]

What happens if the tap root hits bunch of rocks, I have just some dirt and shit loads of rocks for gardening

[@MidwestGardener]

I can't say for sure. I've only grown them in loamy sand soil.

[@RiazUddin-sk3uw]

I think I’ve seen them selling in my local Asian shops. Never have them before - gotta try! Thanks.

[@MidwestGardener]

Yes, you probably have seen them. They sell them were we buy our groceries.

[@RiazUddin-sk3uw]

@@MidwestGardener perhaps, do a video on how you prepare them 🍽

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind for later this year.

[@RiazUddin-sk3uw]

@@MidwestGardener great, thanks 🙏

Thank you for all your tips how to grow jicama

[@MidwestGardener]

You're welcome!

[@davannhuynh4279]

You're so good in everything you plant! I have jicama seeds but just too afraid to actually plant them because of its poisonous nature.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for those kind words! I do have some failures. I tried to grow Ube last year, and it grew very well above ground, but only grew tiny tubers.

[@TaLeng2023]

It's only dangerous if you're an insect.

[@teresagarcia9257]

i wonder if the jicama you planted is of a particular species. We grow jicama also in the tropics but the seed pods are edible, not poisonous at all!

[@MidwestGardener]

I am not sure about that. I was just going with the best information I had available. I've heard from other who have eaten them too.

[@lenirosesoriano9443]

its sweeter to eat after 3 days upon harvesting

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for the tip, Lenirose!

[@jettereq272]

The pods are edible. both young and green bit more mature pods (developed the thick inner part). the broth is delicious. so far no one in my town has died or got sick yet from eating them. I feel sorry seeing ur pods going to waste.

[@MidwestGardener]

According to everything I've read, they contain rotenone, which is poison.

[@GamingGardener]

We don't let them get that big they will taste like cotton. Around 3 months we harvest them already still juicy and crunchy. We just let a few develop pods so we can have seeds again for sowing.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks for the tips! I'll keep that in mind.

[@GardenMack]

Glad I found this video I planted some jicama seed about a week and half ago. Late yes, but still wanted to give it a try. Heard the tubers grow best in short days as opposed to long days, so we'll see. How did it taste? Will you be growing them again? -N

[@MidwestGardener]

It never hurts to try! Thanks for watching!

[@JS-jh4cy]

Can you replant the tubular and speed up the growth that way for short growing areas?

[@MidwestGardener]

I've never tried it.

[@shirleyk623]

Very interesting plant. I've never tried it and really only heard about it on your videos. What does it taste like? It does sound different. Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks! I can't really compare the taste to anything else. It has a hint of sweetness. I's crisp, but not as crisp as Yacon. It's something that would be great with other vegetables on a veggie tray with a dip.

[@shirleyk623]

@@MidwestGardener Ok thanks.

[@lenirosesoriano9443]

you can eat the pods

[@MidwestGardener]

I've heard that from people, but I've read on quite a few sites that you can't.

[@OsoBear20]

We eat it with lime juice an salt, or lime juice an Tajin. May try to grow it this year where did you get the seeds I'm in zone 7b hopefully I get a small crop.

[@MidwestGardener]

I might have to try it that way. Thanks for the tip, Eber! I got my seeds from Baker Creek Seeds. They might even do better for you since you are a little farther south.

[@lljl5310]

He's right! The lime and Tajin is what adds the flavor. The jicama only adds the "crunch".☺☺

[@richardsmith3871]

is it possible to compost jicama top growth, or must I burn it?

[@MidwestGardener]

I don't have a good answer for you, Richard. I didn't compost ours. If you are thinking about compost them, I would do some research first. For me, even a small risk wasn't worth the small amount of compost I would have gotten from it.

[@rudyportugal9396]

I would like to try planting them here in Southern Canada, zone7a, Where can I buy the seeds?

[@MidwestGardener]

I haven't checked lately, but Baker Creek had seeds, and they ship internationally.

[@ltlbnsgarden]

Excellent job friend! You got a great harvest. I need to try this in my my garden too 😊

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks! Yes, it might do well in your climate. Maybe it won't get crunchy in the heat 😄

[@Richard-dg7bf]

How do you save the seed for growing purposes? Would you leave them on the vine as long as possible to fully ripen? Would autumn frosts prevent full ripening into viable seed?

[@MidwestGardener]

You have the right idea, Richard. They need time to mature. I would remove them before frost though.

[@Richard-dg7bf]

@@MidwestGardener My thoughts exactly - as the vine would be dead by then, anyway.

[@monaraahmed7193]

👍👍👍

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks.

[@sandrajohnston9745]

I want to try growing jicama, but have always put it off, thinking we just don't have a long enough, hot enough growing season (zone 8b). Your video has really inspired me. Did you plant seeds in the ground before your last frost date? Did you use any protective covering during cold spells?

[@MidwestGardener]

I tried planting seeds indoors, but those didn't transplant well, so I planted some directly in the ground. Those did much better. They were planted after our last frost date....about May 1st.

[@sandrajohnston9745]

Thank you! It's not too late to try this year.

[@sandrajohnston9745]

​@@MidwestGardenerI'm so excited to go out and plant my 5 jicama seeds today. I have many more questions. Because of the long tap root, do you think it is best to grow directly in the ground, or do you think you can grow in a fairly tall container. I notice you let all of your plants grow vines and seeds; it sure didn't stunt the growth of the tuber! You didn't mention what fertilizer you used, or how you amended your soil before planting. I do not have great native gardening soil (mostly hard clay) and I have to make my own dirt for planting. Any suggestions you have will be greatly appreciated!

[@MidwestGardener]

@@sandrajohnston9745 I think they would probably grow better in the ground, but I never tried in a container, so I can't say for sure. I don't remember if I fertilized, but if I did, I only did once with some 10-10-10.

[@sandrajohnston9745]

Thank you! I dug a big, deep hole in the ground and filled it with my well-draining DIY potting soil and then amended with steer manure, bone meal and a 5-5-5 granular fertilizer. Have my seeds soaking overnight, will plant them in the morning and then cover with plastic to keep the garden invaders away. I won't look at them for 20 days. Our forecast for the next couple of weeks is for lows in the 40's and highs in the high 50's. Hope that will be warm enough!

[@lalabriones2355]

in philippines we eat the pods..

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks, Lala! I've heard that from others, but I read from so many sources that you shouldn't eat them that I thought I should let people know that. If you google it, you should see what I'm talking about.

[@lalabriones2355]

you are right sir, just checked it on google.😁😁 anyway we dont actually eat the seeds and the hard part of the pods.. we only take the soft part , after thorough cleaning with salt and hot water.

[@gnccreations277]

Hi hello dear can I have some this jicama seed please?

[@MidwestGardener]

Sorry, but I don't sell seeds, or give them away. I bought ours from Baker Creek, and they sell them internationally.

[@moniquegebeline4350]

The flowers are quite pretty! I did get seed to try these this year but it seems the consensus is the smaller ones are sweeter and less woody. Can you harvest them earlier before they get that large?

[@MidwestGardener]

Sure, you can harvest them at any size you like. The small ones are almost impossible to find in the stores were I've seen them, so that would be a unique treat.

[@moniquegebeline4350]

@@MidwestGardener awesome thanks! Now to figure out where to stick her because I have 6 cattle panel trellises and they’re all taken up by grapes, melons, and cucumbers lol 😂 I have mirliton on one section of chain link fence and passion fruit on the other. Maybe I’ll grow in a 10 or 15 gallon with a square tomato cage or bamboo teepee 🤔 decisions, decisions. Happy growing! Xoxo

[@MidwestGardener]

@@moniquegebeline4350 Sounds like you are going to have a pretty great garden! It's always hard to find room for everything we want to grow.

[@moniquegebeline4350]

@@MidwestGardener yes sir, this year I went all out. I really planted a huge variety of things plus the stuff we already have. Lots of fruiting trees, shrubs, vines, and 5 large veggie beds, and 5 large cattle trellises 😂 We will see how crazy I was in a few months lol . I might have been over ambitious 😬🤪

[@MidwestGardener]

@@moniquegebeline4350 Over ambitious....been there and done that :)

[@EarthMamaMsNatural]

Is there just one tuber per seed? What do you use for fertilizer.

[@MidwestGardener]

Most of the time you just get one tuber per seed, but I had one twin.

[@AnOldSchoolHome]

Do you by any chance know if those will climb a wall! I have a great idea for my backyard.

[@MidwestGardener]

I don't think it would climb a wall unless there was string, or wire, or something for it to wrap around. It climbed our wire cages pretty easily.

[@SashaDeKasha]

@@MidwestGardener I’ll try with a few bamboo sticks from Home Depot. Btw, “wife cages”? What’s going on there 😂

[@MidwestGardener]

@@SashaDeKasha Holy Crap!!!!! I swear that was not a Freudian slip, lol. I'm sure glad that you pointed that out. People would have thought....."what an idiot." I've had auto correct on my phone really mess me up a few times, but that one was all on me :) Thanks again. I owe you one.

[@SashaDeKasha]

@@MidwestGardener 😂 the trolls will have a field day with that one :))

[@wagroforestry33]

Even though I'm in zone 8a, I haven't tried growing these for the same reason I can't grow sweet potato. Our summers don't generally get hot enough and the "hot" season is too short. Still, I'll probably try to one day, like how I still try with sweet potatoes. They're both amazing foods for the plant paradox diet. Would you say the jicama is more or less heat-needing than sweet potatoes?

[@MidwestGardener]

Of course, I'm basing my opinion on having grown Jicama just once, but I would say that it seems to need heat as much or maybe even a little more than sweet potatoes. I really took a long time to get going.

[@stephenrowe1415]

Hi, folks over the pond (UK) have grown Sweet Potatoes for a while now. Perhaps have a look at some of the varieties they grow in cooler areas. I'm having a go for the first time this year inside & out.

[@MidwestGardener]

@@stephenrowe1415 Good luck!

[@MariaMac729]

I would love to know what they taste like.

[@MidwestGardener]

They are crisp with a hint of sweetness. The texture is similar to a water chestnut, except a little firmer. They don't really have a flavor that I can compare it to.

[@lljl5310]

True, not much of a flavor to it. It you want to hear a crunch when you eat something, have a jicama or a carrot!!! 😜😜 . enjoy!!

[@JS-jh4cy]

I suppose you have to keep all animals like chickens, goats and sheep and cows away from the plant

[@MidwestGardener]

I can't really say what they would do to animals. I just know that many sites say that most of the plant is toxic to humans.

[@veronicacaballero5529]

Where do u buy the seeds

[@MidwestGardener]

I got mine from Bake Creek.

[@annic7995]

I bought jicama and forgot about it. Now it has a long vine. Should I plant it?

[@MidwestGardener]

Not sure. If you mean you are growing it in a pot, then as long as all danger of frost is past, you should be able to plant it.

[@annic7995]

@@MidwestGardener thank you.😺

[@JS-jh4cy]

Can you buy seeds,? Where?

[@MidwestGardener]

I know that you can buy them, but I don't know who sells them. The seller that I bought mine from, doesn't sell them any more.

[@davidpruitt3982]

I have never grown jicama. Do you eat it raw or cooked? What does it taste like? Have a great weekend Jim and stay safe. 👍🏻

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks David! We've only tried it raw. If I get some this year, maybe we can try it another way. You have a great weekend too!

[@lljl5310]

Raw, cubes , add them to salads OR just add lime and Tajin sweet chili powder. 👍

[@davidpruitt3982]

@@lljl5310 that sounds delicious, thanks.

[@b.bellnarak1271]

👍🏻👍🏻🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks!

[@Prettyme03]

Where are your seeds from?

[@MidwestGardener]

I think I got them from Baker Creek, but I don't think they sell them anymore.

[@nqrr7346]

It was nice to find your channel as I am in Kansas also!! I just discovered jicama and ordered some seeds. I'm looking forward to trying a new crop plant! I'm doing my best to seed save all I can so... Do you save the seeds from the pods after they are dry like beans?

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks Michelle! I'm glad that you found my channel. I saved some of the pods. I have them out in the garage, but I haven't removed the beans yet. Planting time will be here before we know it.

[@greenthumbelina7331]

I've never grown jicama. How do you prepare the tubers, and how do they taste?

[@MidwestGardener]

We've only eaten them raw. They don't have much taste. Just a hint of sweetness. They are crisp and crunchy.

[@greenthumbelina7331]

@@MidwestGardener Is it something you'll grow again? Sometimes I just grow things because I like the way the plants look.

[@MidwestGardener]

I'll probably try to find a place for a few. They do store fairly well.

[@jayrocortez]

Hello! I am from the midwest (IL) , so would you advice against starting indoors afterall?

[@MidwestGardener]

I don't have enough experience to say for sure, but for me the direct sown seeds did better for me.

[@jayrocortez]

@@MidwestGardener Great! Thanks!

[@MidwestGardener]

@@jayrocortez You're welcome!

[@AntonioCastillo-gp5ow]

How do you get the seeds?

[@MidwestGardener]

From the beans. If you mean where do you buy them, you will have to google it. The seller I bought seeds from doesn't sell them anymore.

[@TommyMLe]

You might be able to find Jicima seed packets at Home Depot. I was able to score some last time I went to go buy vegetable seeds. I forgot exactly how much my packet cost, it was between $2.99-$4.99; and my packet contained 22 seeds.

[@dloui5214]

it's the only plant to survive a nuclear war . anti nuclear radiation kind of plant

[@MidwestGardener]

That's pretty tough.

[@Bvsterrrrrrrrr]

It's funny to me, but we eat the beans and the rootcrop. And i am still alive.

[@MidwestGardener]

I've heard that from others also.

[@teresarenzullo3232]

I want to grow some if I can find the seeds without paying an arm and a leg for shipping.

[@MidwestGardener]

Good luck. I haven't checked prices lately.

[@michaelbrennan7148]

Thanks for posting. I have not grown jicima . I usually only get to ear it when we go out to dinner. Great video. Have a good day.

[@MidwestGardener]

Thanks! It seems to do pretty well here, so we might give it another try. You have a great day too!