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When to Plant Jicama in Caldwell County, TX

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.

Caldwell County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 27 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.

At an elevation of 3,482 feet, Caldwell County receives approximately 60.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Jicama during the growing season. 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.

Caldwell County, TX (Zone 8b) Year-round
277 days
Last Spring Frost February 27
277 growing days
First Fall Frost December 1

Caldwell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.8-8.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (69 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 26 Transplant: Feb 27 🍅 Harvest: Jul 3 – Sep 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (67 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 9 Transplant: Mar 13 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Sep 25
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (56 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 1 Transplant: Apr 5 🍅 Harvest: Aug 9 – Oct 18

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 242 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Jicama needs ~2,625 GDD — county provides 4,865 GDD Excellent fit

Jicama Planting Timeline โ€” Caldwell County, TX

Jicama Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 9 Jan 9 โ€“ Jan 23
Transplant Outdoors March 13 Mar 13 โ€“ Mar 27
Direct Sow March 6 Mar 6 โ€“ Mar 27
Harvest July 17 Jul 17 โ€“ Sep 25

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February โ€”
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 8b

Growing Season

277 days

Growing Tips for Caldwell 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 Caldwell County, TX?

Caldwell County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of February 27. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Caldwell County, TX?

Caldwell County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 27 and first fall frost is December 1.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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