When to Plant Jicama in Orange 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.
Orange County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 3 and the first fall frost is December 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 321 days.
At an elevation of 494 feet, Orange County receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Jicama root diseases.
Orange County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-5.8
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.
Plant Water Budget
Jicama Planting Timeline — Orange County, FL
Jicama Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 23 | Dec 23 – Jan 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 10 | Feb 10 – Feb 24 |
| Direct Sow | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 24 |
| Harvest | June 16 | Jun 16 – Aug 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| 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
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
120–180 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 9b
Growing Season
321 days
Growing Tips for Orange 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
Level Up Your Garden
Jicama in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Jicama in Orange County, FL?
Orange County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 3. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Orange County, FL?
Orange County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 3 and first fall frost is December 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Orange County gardeners in Zone 9b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.