Are you growing jicama in Alabama, but don’t know when the best time to harvest them is?

Harvesting jicama is not as easy as it seems.

Here’s why:

• Jicama have a very short window when they can be harvested and still taste great.

So if you harvest them too early they may not be ready and taste bad. And if you harvest them too late they may become infected with mold, fungus, insects, etc., and become inedible.

Today, I’m going to teach you the ideal time to harvest jicama in Alabama:

• To Learn More About HOW to Grow Jicama, Check Out This GUIDE!

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When Do I Harvest Jicama in Alabama?

As you may have already guessed, there are two main factors that determine when you should harvest your jicama: the physical features of the jicama & weather (time).

Harvest Jicama if They Look Like This!!!

The physical features of jicama are what most gardeners commonly rely on to determine if they are ready to be picked off the plant or not.

In general, you should harvest jicama if they have the following physical features:

• The entire jicama is a solid red color. If the jicama is a lighter shade of red, it is not ready to be harvested
• The jicama is slightly soft. Too hard means it is not ready. Too soft means it is overripe (but still edible)
• Easily able to be deattached from the the plant. This means it has absorbed all the nutrients it needs and is ready.

Harvest Your Jicama During THIS Time of Year!!!

In general, you should harvest jicama:

• 65 to 85 days after starting jicama from seed
• 40 to 50 days after planting jicama in your garden
• 20 to 30 days after jicama first appear

And no matter what, you should ALWAYS harvest your jicama before the first frost of the year. Frost will immediately kill your jicama plant and make your jicama inedible.

For your reference, I have created this table for average frost dates for most major cities in Alabama. If your city is not listed below you can find its Last & First Frost Dates HERE.

Alabama Last & First Frost Dates

It should be noted that you should not overly rely on the first frost of the year. The average first frost of the year is only correct 30% of the time.

Instead, pay close attention to your local weather.

When you know a frost is coming you need to take action.

• If jicama are in pots, bring them inside
• If jicama are in the ground, cover them in burlap and hope they survive
• Pick all jicama. If they are not ready, place them in a brown paper bag and store them for approximately 1 to 2 weeks to see if they become edible.

If you want to learn WHEN to harvest ANY Vegetable in Alabama, head over to HERE and just type in the vegetable you want to grow.