Also known as Bangkuang · Bito' · Manioc Cochon
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) is a root vegetable native to Mexico, known for its crisp, sweet, edible tuber and its climbing vine.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and tuber development.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, but well-drained. Avoid overwatering.
Sandy Loam
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in warm temperatures, ideally between 18-30°C. Protect from frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Prefers nutrient-rich soil; light feeding is sufficient. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
The roots (tubers) are edible, but the pods and seeds contain rotenone, a natural insecticide that is toxic.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Jicama thrives with consistent moisture, especially during its growth period. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering as the plant matures and prepares for tuber formation.
Pruning is generally not necessary for jicama. If vines become excessively tangled or overgrown, you can lightly trim them to improve air circulation and manage growth.
Focus on maintaining an open structure, especially as the tubers begin to swell.
Jicama is primarily propagated by seeds. Sow seeds directly into the ground after the last frost when soil temperatures are warm.
Alternatively, start seeds indoors a few weeks before the last frost and transplant seedlings carefully, disturbing the roots as little as possible.
Jicama is typically grown as an annual or from direct seeding and does not require repotting in the traditional sense. If starting seeds indoors, transplant them into larger pots if they outgrow their initial containers before moving them to their final garden location.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus)
Where Jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Pachyrhizus |
| Species | Pachyrhizus erosus |
Similar in genus Pachyrhizus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
