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When to Plant Jicama in Levy County, FL

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.

Levy County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 2 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 271 days.

At an elevation of 305 feet, Levy County receives approximately 50.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 100ยฐF, so Jicama may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Jicama will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Jicama root diseases.

Levy County, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
271 days
Last Spring Frost March 2
271 growing days
First Fall Frost November 28

Levy County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.9-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (78 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 3 Transplant: Feb 21 🍅 Harvest: Jun 27 – Sep 5
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (68 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 19 Transplant: Mar 9 🍅 Harvest: Jul 13 – Sep 21
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (67 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 11 Transplant: Apr 1 🍅 Harvest: Aug 5 – Oct 14

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
0.8″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 1,497 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Jicama needs ~3,750 GDD — county provides 6,775 GDD Excellent fit

Jicama Planting Timeline โ€” Levy County, FL

Jicama Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 19 Jan 19 โ€“ Feb 2
Transplant Outdoors March 9 Mar 9 โ€“ Mar 23
Direct Sow March 2 Mar 2 โ€“ Mar 23
Harvest July 13 Jul 13 โ€“ Sep 21

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 โ€”
May โ€”
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
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 9a

Growing Season

271 days

Growing Tips for Levy 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 Levy County, FL?

Levy County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 2. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Levy County, FL?

Levy County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 2 and first fall frost is November 28.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Levy County gardeners in Zone 9a 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 Levy County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.