When is the best time to plant jicama?

Yam is a vine plant that is mainly distributed in the Yangtze River Basin and southern regions of China. It has been widely cultivated. It can be eaten raw or fried. It has a crispy and sweet taste and is loved by many consumers. Let’s learn together when is the best time to plant jicama?

When is the best time to plant jicama?

Early-maturing yam: Mainly grown in South China, the suitable sowing time is from the end of March to the beginning of April in spring. In order to adapt to local climatic conditions, the method usually adopted is to grow seedlings in a pergola and then transplant them to the field. From sowing to harvesting, the entire growth cycle of early-maturing sweet potato is about 130 to 150 days. It can usually be harvested and put on the market in late August to early September.

Late-maturing yam: Late-maturing varieties of yam are widely planted, and the sowing time is scheduled from late April to early May. Since the temperature is relatively high at this time, the seeds do not need to be germinated and can be directly sown in the field. The growth cycle of late-maturing yam is longer, about 160 to 190 days, and it usually reaches maturity and begins to be harvested in late October to November.

Medium-maturing sweet potato: The sowing time of medium-maturing varieties is between early-maturing and late-maturing varieties, and is usually sown in early April. The planting method is similar to that of late-maturing yam, using direct seeding in the field. The whole growing period of mid-ripening yam is more than 150 days. It usually matures in late September to early October and is then harvested.

Tips for planting yam

Land selection and preparation: Yam is suitable for planting in land with loose soil, good air permeability and drainage. Avoid planting in heavy, poorly drained soils as this may result in poor growth of the jicama and a small final product, perhaps only the size of your pinky finger.

Sowing method: You can sow directly on the prepared land at a spacing of 25 to 50 cm, sowing 3 to 4 seeds each time. After sowing, the seeds can be covered with film or moss to retain moisture. Another method is to sow in rows to form a creeping planting pattern, with a moderate amount of seed per row and mulch applied as well.

Field management: After germination, the missing seedlings should be checked and supplemented in time. Apply fertilizer for the second time when the jicama seedlings grow to 5 to 10 cm, and combine fertilization with weeding. Since the growth directions of jicama vines are different, they need to be guided to grow in the same direction to facilitate harvesting in the future. At the same time, pay attention to timely pinching and flower removal to prevent the vines from growing too long and consuming nutrients to ensure the quality and size of the sweet potatoes.

Pest Control and Harvesting: Jicama has some resistance to insects, but termites may infest some areas. Therefore, we must pay attention to the prevention and control of termites. As for harvesting, you should choose the right time, neither too early nor too late. If the yam is harvested too early, it will have enough water but insufficient sugar, while if it is harvested too late, it may become old and have a bad taste.

The above is an introduction to the appropriate sowing time for yam. You should choose according to your local environment. Only the right time can achieve high yields.