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When to Plant Jicama in Saline County, AR

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.

Saline County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 598 feet, Saline County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Jicama during the growing season.

Saline County, AR (Zone 7b) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 9

Saline County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (20 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 25 Transplant: Mar 29 🍅 Harvest: Aug 2 – Oct 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (18 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 5 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: Aug 13 – Oct 22
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (15 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 25 Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Sep 2 – Nov 11

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
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Jicama needs ~2,512 GDD — county provides 3,819 GDD Excellent fit

Jicama Planting Timeline โ€” Saline County, AR

Jicama Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 5 Feb 5 โ€“ Feb 19
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 โ€“ Apr 23
Direct Sow April 2 Apr 2 โ€“ Apr 23
Harvest August 13 Aug 13 โ€“ Oct 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March โ€”
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

228 days

Growing Tips for Saline 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 Saline County, AR?

Saline County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Saline County, AR?

Saline County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 9.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Saline 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 Saline County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.