When to Plant Jicama in Dimmit 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.
Dimmit County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 278 days.
At an elevation of 2,638 feet, Dimmit County receives approximately 63.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Jicama during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Jicama root diseases.
Dimmit County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.3
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 Dimmit County
How your county's soil matches Jicama's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5โ7.3) is within Jicama's preferred range (6.0โ7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Dimmit County is excellent for Jicama โ good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Jicama.
How to Plant Jicama
Plant Water Budget
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 | โ | 1.6" | 0" | โ๏ธ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | ๐ฟ Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 9.1" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 11.3" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.6" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.1" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | โ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | ๐ง Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | ๐ฟ Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | ๐ฟ Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (FebโDec in Dimmit County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ 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" โ every day above 50ยฐF 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 โ Dimmit County, TX
Jicama Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 8 | Jan 8 โ Jan 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 12 | Mar 12 โ Mar 26 |
| Direct Sow | March 5 | Mar 5 โ Mar 26 |
| Harvest | July 16 | Jul 16 โ Sep 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
โ๏ธ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
๐ง Water
1"/week ยท Only during dry spells
๐ Days to Maturity
120โ180 days
๐งช Soil pH
Needs 6โ7.5 ยท Your soil: ideal
๐บ๏ธ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
๐ Growing Season
278 days in Dimmit County
Growing Tips for Jicama in Dimmit County
Direct sow Jicama outdoors after February 26 in Dimmit County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Jicama in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Jicama in Dimmit County, TX?
Dimmit County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date โ see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dimmit County, TX?
Dimmit County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is December 1.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner โ designed to help Dimmit County gardeners in Zone 8b 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.