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When to Plant Jicama in Tyrrell County, NC

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.

Tyrrell County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 234 days.

At an elevation of 140 feet, Tyrrell County receives approximately 50.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, so Jicama may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Jicama, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Jicama root diseases.

Tyrrell County, NC (Zone 8a) Long season
234 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
234 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Tyrrell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (25 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 28 Transplant: Apr 1 🍅 Harvest: Aug 5 – Oct 14
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (24 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 5 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: Aug 13 – Oct 22
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (23 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 20 Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Aug 28 – Nov 6

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
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 199 gal / 100 sq ft
Jicama needs ~3,300 GDD — county provides 5,148 GDD Excellent fit

Jicama Planting Timeline โ€” Tyrrell County, NC

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 8a

Growing Season

234 days

Growing Tips for Tyrrell 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 Tyrrell County, NC?

Tyrrell County is in Zone 8a 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 Tyrrell County, NC?

Tyrrell County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 15.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Tyrrell County gardeners in Zone 8a 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 Tyrrell County, NC. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.