Jícama Pachyrhizus erosus
Jícama (Pachyrhizus erosus) is an annual vegetable in the Fabaceae family, native to Mexico and Central America. It grows 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) tall and 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Jícama in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Jícama at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | about 13–17 weeks after planting, for 6–13 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 165 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: storage root (raw or cooked) |
| Native to | Mexico and Central America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Is Jícama toxic?
- People: severely toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: seeds, pods, leaves, stems
Seeds and green parts contain rotenone and are poisonous; only the peeled storage root is eaten. Remove flowers to boost root size.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Jícama
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Shared pests and diseases
- Root rots: Fusarium and Aphanomyces root rots build up where legumes repeat. Evidence C
Questions about Jícama
- How far apart should I plant Jícama?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Jícama need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Jícama need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Jícama?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Jícama flower?
- About 13–17 weeks after planting, for 6–13 weeks.
- Is Jícama poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people severely toxic. Seeds and green parts contain rotenone and are poisonous; only the peeled storage root is eaten. Remove flowers to boost root size.
- What grows well with Jícama?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Needs about 5 to 9 frost-free warm months; root swelling and flowering are promoted by short days.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis