How to grow jicama (yam bean)? Detailed guide to planting methods and conditions

In summer, when the weather is hot, everyone likes to eat some lighter foods to cool down, and jicama is a great choice. For farmers, growing jicama is also a key point, and good quality will also bring a higher selling price, so how do you grow jicama? What are the growing conditions? Let's take a look!

How to grow jicama

1. Choosing and preparing the land

The roots of jicama swell and are rich in water, so when choosing a sowing site, the soil must be loose and deep, moist and close to a water source. Irrigation should be convenient, and it is generally best to choose a fairly sunny spot. This is good for root growth and swelling and for absorbing water and nutrients, and sun exposure can also increase photosynthesis and raise the sugar content of the roots. Before planting, plow the soil, carry out intertillage, level the land, water thoroughly, and spray a certain amount of pesticide to prevent the roots from being infected by disease.

2. Sowing and thinning seedlings

Jicama seeds have a thick, hard seed coat. To promote early germination, the seeds can be soaked in warm water before sowing to speed up sprouting, so they grow faster after being planted in the ground. However, jicama itself is very hardy, and in warm regions it can also be direct-sown; direct sowing can strengthen the adaptability and growth vigor of the seedlings. The sowing density must be reasonable so they do not compete with each other for growing space. If raising seedlings, after the seedlings emerge evenly, pull out the thin, weak, diseased, and yellowed seedlings, but if sowing directly in the field, you only need to first set the spacing between rows and plants and replant the spots where no seedlings emerged.

3. Controlling fertilizer and water

The watering schedule for jicama is similar to that of other ordinary vegetables. Generally, before the seedlings emerge, a small amount of water can be given once every three days to maintain 60% moisture. After the seedlings emerge, apply a light fertilizer solution once to promote growth, and after that apply fertilizer solution once a week until before flowering. Do not water during the flowering period, and apply a compound phosphorus-potassium fertilizer plus a trace-element fertilizer to assist the transition to reproductive growth. During the swelling period, a large amount of water is needed to maintain the water content of the roots and to transport the nutrients produced by the leaves, so water can be given once every 5 days, but only when the soil appears dry; generally keep the soil below the top 2 cm moist. A dry surface makes disease infection less likely. Increase the application of compound fertilizer to balance the growth of leaves and roots.

4. Trellising and pruning

When the seedlings are about to grow vines, begin trellising. Trellising is meant to give the plants enough growing space, receive enough sunlight, and avoid crowding and shading. During the summer peak growth period, keep the main flowering vines and prune away the excess branches, which can reduce nutrient consumption.

The above is a comprehensive summary of jicama cultivation. I hope everyone can also pay attention to the details during the growing period, and not let it be damaged by problems such as watering or sunlight.