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When to Plant Jicama in Chilton County, AL

Jicama is a tropical legume grown for its crisp, sweet, starchy root. It requires a very long, warm growing season but produces a refreshing, water chestnut-like tuber.

Chilton County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 245 days.

At an elevation of 310 feet, Chilton County receives approximately 50.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Jicama during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Jicama, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Jicama root diseases.

Chilton County, AL (Zone 7b) Long season
245 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
245 growing days
First Fall Frost November 14

Chilton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (34 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 17 Transplant: Mar 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 25 – Oct 3
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (35 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 24 Transplant: Mar 28 🍅 Harvest: Aug 1 – Oct 10
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (31 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 13 Transplant: Apr 17 🍅 Harvest: Aug 21 – Oct 30

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 293 gal / 100 sq ft
Jicama needs ~2,512 GDD — county provides 4,103 GDD Excellent fit

Jicama Planting Timeline โ€” Chilton County, AL

Jicama Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 24 Jan 24 โ€“ Feb 7
Transplant Outdoors March 28 Mar 28 โ€“ Apr 11
Direct Sow March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 11
Harvest August 1 Aug 1 โ€“ Oct 10

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June โ€”
July โ€”
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

120โ€“180 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 7b

Growing Season

245 days

Growing Tips for Chilton County

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Pinch off flowers to direct energy to root development. Harvest before first frost when roots are 3-6 inches across.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Fennel

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Jicama in Chilton County, AL?

Chilton County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Chilton County, AL?

Chilton County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 14.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Chilton County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Chilton County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.