When to Plant Jicama in Okeechobee 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.
Okeechobee County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 25 and the first fall frost is December 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 329 days.
At an elevation of 139 feet, Okeechobee County receives approximately 49.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 101°F, so Jicama may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Jicama will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Okeechobee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-5.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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.
Soil Compatibility in Okeechobee County
How your county's soil matches Jicama's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–5.8) is more acidic than Jicama prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Okeechobee County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Jicama will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Jicama.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Jicama.
How to Plant Jicama
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Jicama
Jicama needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Jicama Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Okeechobee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Jicama Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Jicama Planting Timeline — Okeechobee County, FL
Jicama Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 14 | Dec 14 – Dec 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Direct Sow | January 25 | Jan 25 – Feb 15 |
| Harvest | June 7 | Jun 7 – Aug 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
120–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
329 days in Okeechobee County
Growing Tips for Jicama in Okeechobee County
Direct sow Jicama outdoors after January 25 in Okeechobee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Okeechobee County dries quickly — mulch Jicama with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 101°F in Okeechobee County, provide afternoon shade for Jicama and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Jicama in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
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Jicama in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Jicama in Okeechobee County, FL?
Okeechobee County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of January 25. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Okeechobee County, FL?
Okeechobee County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 25 and first fall frost is December 20.
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