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When to Plant Jicama in Kaufman 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.

Kaufman County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 251 days.

At an elevation of 144 feet, Kaufman County receives approximately 59.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, 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.

Kaufman County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
251 days
Last Spring Frost March 12
251 growing days
First Fall Frost November 18

Kaufman County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.9-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (40 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 14 Transplant: Mar 18 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Sep 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (41 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 22 Transplant: Mar 26 🍅 Harvest: Jul 30 – Oct 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (28 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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 7 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Jicama needs ~2,962 GDD — county provides 4,957 GDD Excellent fit

Jicama Planting Timeline โ€” Kaufman County, TX

Jicama Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 22 Jan 22 โ€“ Feb 5
Transplant Outdoors March 26 Mar 26 โ€“ Apr 9
Direct Sow March 19 Mar 19 โ€“ Apr 9
Harvest July 30 Jul 30 โ€“ Oct 8

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 Harvest
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

251 days

Growing Tips for Kaufman 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 Kaufman County, TX?

Kaufman County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Kaufman County, TX?

Kaufman County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 18.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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