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When to Plant Jicama in Falls 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.

Falls County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 17 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 241 days.

At an elevation of 66 feet, Falls County receives approximately 66.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 97ยฐF, 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.

Falls County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
241 days
Last Spring Frost March 17
241 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Falls County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

7.1-8.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (37 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 16 Transplant: Mar 20 🍅 Harvest: Jul 24 – Oct 2
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (31 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 27 Transplant: Mar 31 🍅 Harvest: Aug 4 – Oct 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (24 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 18 Transplant: Apr 22 🍅 Harvest: Aug 26 – Nov 4

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 Falls County

How your county's soil matches Jicama's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (7.1โ€“8.2) is more alkaline than Jicama prefers (6.0โ€“7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.

Soil Texture

Your clay soil in Falls County is workable for Jicama. Add compost annually to improve structure.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Jicama.

How to Plant Jicama

0.5"
Planting Depth
6"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.2″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Jicama needs ~3,412 GDD — county provides 5,482 GDD Excellent fit

Jicama Planting Timeline โ€” Falls County, TX

Jicama Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 27 Jan 27 โ€“ Feb 10
Transplant Outdoors March 31 Mar 31 โ€“ Apr 14
Direct Sow March 24 Mar 24 โ€“ Apr 14
Harvest August 4 Aug 4 โ€“ Oct 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1"/week ยท Natural rainfall sufficient

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

120โ€“180 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: too_alkaline

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

241 days in Falls County

Growing Tips for Jicama in Falls County

Direct sow Jicama outdoors after March 17 in Falls County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Falls County's clay soil (36% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Jicama. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

With summer highs reaching 97ยฐF in Falls County, provide afternoon shade for Jicama and water deeply in the morning.

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

  • Fennel

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Jicama in Falls County, TX?

Falls County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 17. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Falls County, TX?

Falls County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 17 and first fall frost is November 13.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Falls 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 Falls County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.