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When to Plant Jicama in Cochran 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.

Cochran County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.

At an elevation of 4,553 feet, Cochran County receives approximately 45.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98ยฐF, so Jicama may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Jicama will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Cochran County, TX (Zone 7a) Moderate season
196 days
Last Spring Frost April 14
196 growing days
First Fall Frost October 27

Cochran County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.5-8.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Feb 17 Transplant: Apr 21 🍅 Harvest: Aug 25 – Nov 3
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Feb 24 Transplant: Apr 28 🍅 Harvest: Sep 1 – Nov 10
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Mar 11 Transplant: May 13 🍅 Harvest: Sep 16 – Nov 25

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 61 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Jicama needs ~3,525 GDD — county provides 4,606 GDD Excellent fit

Jicama Planting Timeline โ€” Cochran County, TX

Jicama Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 24 Feb 24 โ€“ Mar 10
Transplant Outdoors April 28 Apr 28 โ€“ May 12
Direct Sow April 21 Apr 21 โ€“ May 12
Harvest September 1 Sep 1 โ€“ Nov 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September Harvest
October Harvest
November Harvest
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 7a

Growing Season

196 days

Growing Tips for Cochran 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 Cochran County, TX?

Cochran County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cochran County, TX?

Cochran County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 27.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Cochran County gardeners in Zone 7a 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 Cochran County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.