Yam Bean or Jicama - Pachyrhizus erosus
approx 10 seeds
This highly productive tropical legume vine is grown for its large tuberous roots. The roots can reach up to 20 kg in size while the vine can grow 4-5 metres but even when trimmed to a manageable size, the vine will still produce a good harvest. Beans, flower and leaves are poisonous, only the tuberous root should be eaten. Used in Mexican and Asian cuisine, the roots are a great source of fibre and Vitamin C. Sow in Spring, needs atleast 5 months of warm frost free weather to mature. Tropical climates can sow all year. Sow 25mm directly in final position, must have 26-28 degrees c to germinate, soak seeds overnight to improve germination, seedlings emerge 6-10 days. Harvest from 5- 9 months after planting, in cool climates harvest the roots when the plant has died back.