When to Plant Jicama in Seminole 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.
Seminole 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 260 feet, Seminole County receives approximately 53.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 95°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.
Seminole County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-5.9
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 Seminole County
How your county's soil matches Jicama's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–5.9) is more acidic than Jicama prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Seminole 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 (1.5%). 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 | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Seminole 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 — Seminole 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
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
321 days in Seminole County
Growing Tips for Jicama in Seminole County
Direct sow Jicama outdoors after February 03 in Seminole County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Seminole County dries quickly — mulch Jicama with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Jicama in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Jicama in Seminole County, FL?
Seminole 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 Seminole County, FL?
Seminole 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
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