Oregon’s temperate summers mean jicama should be planted in late May or early June for best results. The best time to plant jicama in oregon is after the last frost date, when soil temperatures stay above 60°F. This root vegetable needs a long, warm growing season to develop properly.
Jicama is a tropical plant native to Mexico. It thrives in heat and struggles in cool, wet soil. Oregon’s climate, with its mild summers and early fall chill, requires careful timing. Plant too early, and the seeds rot. Plant too late, and the tubers won’t mature before frost.
This guide covers everything you need to know about planting jicama in Oregon. You will learn the exact timing, soil prep, and care steps. Let’s get started.
Understanding Jicama’s Growing Needs
Jicama is a warm-season crop. It needs at least 150 frost-free days to produce harvestable tubers. In Oregon, the growing window is shorter than in southern states. That’s why timing is critical.
Temperature Requirements
Jicama seeds germinate best when soil is between 70°F and 85°F. Air temperatures should stay above 60°F day and night. Cold soil below 55°F stops growth and can kill young plants.
In Oregon, soil warms slowly in spring. Coastal areas are cooler than the Willamette Valley. Eastern Oregon heats up faster but has shorter summers. You must adjust planting dates based on your specific region.
Day Length And Growth
Jicama is photoperiod sensitive. It forms tubers when day length is shorter than 12 hours. In Oregon, long summer days (15-16 hours) delay tuber formation. Plants focus on vine growth first. Tubers start swelling in late August or September.
This means you need a long growing season to get decent-sized roots. Starting seeds indoors can extend your season by 4-6 weeks.
Best Time To Plant Jicama In Oregon
Now we get to the core question. The best time to plant jicama in oregon is late May through mid-June. This window works for most of the state, but you must check local frost dates.
Coastal Regions
Oregon’s coast has cool summers and mild winters. Soil warms slowly. Plant jicama in early June, after the risk of fog and cool nights passes. Use black plastic mulch to warm the soil. Expect smaller tubers due to shorter warm period.
Willamette Valley
This region has the best conditions for jicama in Oregon. Plant from late May to early June. Soil temperatures reach 65°F by then. You can direct sow seeds or transplant starts. Harvest before the first frost in October.
Eastern Oregon
Eastern Oregon has hot summers but cold springs. Plant jicama in early June, after the last frost. The growing season is shorter here. Use row covers to protect young plants from late frosts. Choose early-maturing varieties.
High Elevation Areas
In the Cascade foothills and mountains, the growing season is very short. Jicama is risky here. If you try, start seeds indoors in April. Transplant in late June. Use a greenhouse or high tunnel for best results.
How To Plant Jicama In Oregon
Follow these steps for success. Timing is just one part. Soil preparation, planting depth, and spacing matter too.
Step 1: Choose The Right Variety
Not all jicama varieties are equal. For Oregon’s climate, choose early-maturing types. Look for varieties that produce tubers in 120-140 days. Avoid late-maturing types that need 200 days.
- San Juan: 120 days, good for short seasons
- Agua Dulce: 130 days, sweet flavor
- Mexican Yam Bean: 140 days, reliable in cooler areas
Step 2: Start Seeds Indoors
Starting seeds indoors gives you a head start. Do this 4-6 weeks before your planned outdoor planting date. For Oregon, start seeds in mid-April.
- Fill 4-inch pots with seed-starting mix
- Plant 2 seeds per pot, 1/2 inch deep
- Water well and cover with plastic wrap
- Place in a warm spot (75°F-85°F)
- Seeds germinate in 7-14 days
- Thin to 1 seedling per pot after true leaves appear
- Harden off plants for 7 days before transplanting
Step 3: Prepare The Soil
Jicama needs loose, well-draining soil. Oregon’s clay soils need ammendment. Work in compost and aged manure before planting. Soil pH should be 6.0-7.0.
Add sand or perlite to improve drainage. Jicama roots can rot in waterlogged soil. Raised beds work well in rainy areas.
Step 4: Transplant Or Direct Sow
Transplanting is more reliable in Oregon. Direct sowing works only in warm soil. If you direct sow, wait until soil is 65°F at 4 inches deep.
Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart. Jicama vines can spread 6-10 feet. Provide a trellis or support for the vines. This saves space and improves air circulation.
Step 5: Water And Mulch
Water deeply once a week. Jicama needs consistent moisture, especially during tuber formation. In Oregon’s dry summer, you may need to water twice a week.
Mulch with straw or wood chips to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Mulch also keeps soil temperature stable. Apply 2-3 inches after transplanting.
Caring For Jicama Throughout The Season
Jicama is low-maintenance once established. But a few care steps improve yield and quality.
Fertilizing
Jicama is a light feeder. Too much nitrogen produces lush vines but small tubers. Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting time. Side-dress with low-nitrogen fertilizer when vines start running.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers like blood meal or fish emulsion. They encourage leaf growth at the expense of roots.
Pest Management
Jicama has few pests in Oregon. Aphids and spider mites can appear in dry weather. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Slugs and snails may attack young plants. Use diatomaceous earth or beer traps.
Deer and rabbits sometimes nibble jicama leaves. Use fencing or repellents if wildlife is a problem.
Supporting Vines
Jicama vines can grow 10 feet long. Provide a sturdy trellis or fence. Train vines to climb. This keeps fruit pods off the ground and improves air flow.
Jicama produces bean-like pods. These are toxic and should not be eaten. Remove flowers if you want more energy directed to tubers.
Harvesting Jicama In Oregon
Harvest time depends on planting date and weather. In Oregon, jicama is usually ready in late September or October. The tubers need 120-150 days from planting.
Signs Of Readiness
Jicama is ready to harvest when vines start yellowing and dying back. The tubers should be 4-6 inches in diameter. Dig a test root to check size.
Do not wait too long. A hard frost kills the vines and damages tubers. Harvest before the first fall frost. In Oregon, this is usually mid-October.
How To Harvest
Use a garden fork to loosen soil around the plant. Lift the root carefully. Jicama roots can break easily. Brush off excess soil but do not wash.
Cut off the vines and small rootlets. Store tubers in a cool, dark place. They keep for 2-3 months at 50°F-60°F. Do not refrigerate below 45°F.
Common Problems And Solutions
Even with perfect timing, problems can arise. Here are common issues Oregon gardeners face.
Small Tubers
Small tubers are the most common complaint. This happens when the growing season is too short. Start seeds indoors earlier. Use black plastic to warm soil. Choose early-maturing varieties.
Another cause is too much nitrogen. Cut back on fertilizer. Focus on phosphorus and potassium for root development.
Root Rot
Root rot occurs in heavy, wet soil. Oregon’s clay soils are prone to this. Improve drainage with raised beds and organic matter. Do not overwater. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
If rot appears, remove affected plants. Do not plant jicama in the same spot for 3 years.
Poor Germination
Seeds may not germinate if soil is too cold. Wait until soil reaches 65°F. Pre-soak seeds for 24 hours before planting. This softens the seed coat and speeds germination.
In cool springs, use heat mats for indoor starts. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant jicama in Oregon in July?
July is too late for most of Oregon. The growing season is too short. Tubers will not mature before frost. Stick to late May or early June.
What is the best month to plant jicama in Oregon?
June is the best month for most regions. Late May works in warmer areas like the Willamette Valley. Check your local frost dates.
How long does jicama take to grow in Oregon?
Jicama takes 120-150 days from planting to harvest. In Oregon, this means planting in late May and harvesting in late September or October.
Can jicama survive Oregon’s winter?
No. Jicama is a tropical plant and cannot survive frost. Harvest all tubers before the first fall frost. Store them indoors for winter use.
Do I need to start jicama seeds indoors in Oregon?
Yes, starting indoors is recommended. It gives you a 4-6 week head start. This is critical for Oregon’s short growing season.
Final Tips For Success
Planting jicama in Oregon is possible with the right timing. The best time to plant jicama in oregon is late May to early June. This gives the plant enough warm days to produce decent tubers.
Start seeds indoors to extend the season. Use raised beds or ammended soil for good drainage. Provide a trellis for the vines. Water consistently and harvest before frost.
Jicama is not a traditional Oregon crop, but it can be grown successfully. The flavor is worth the effort. Crisp, sweet, and refreshing, it’s a great addition to fall salads and stir-fries.
Experiment with different varieties and planting dates. Keep notes on what works in your microclimate. With practice, you can enjoy homegrown jicama from your Oregon garden.
Remember to check soil temperature before planting. Use a soil thermometer. Wait until the soil is consistently above 60°F. This simple step prevents many problems.
If you have a short growing season, consider using a cold frame or greenhouse. These structures extend the season by several weeks. They also protect plants from unexpected cold snaps.
Jicama is a fun crop to grow. It’s different from typical Oregon vegetables. Give it a try this year. You might be suprised at how well it does.
One last tip: save some seeds from your best plants. Over time, you can develop a strain adapted to your local conditions. This is called landrace gardening. It’s a rewarding long-term project.
Happy planting, and enjoy your jicama harvest. The wait is worth it for that first crunchy, sweet bite.