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When to Plant Jicama in McCulloch 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.

McCulloch County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 17 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.

At an elevation of 1,250 feet, McCulloch County receives approximately 60.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, so Jicama may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Jicama root diseases.

McCulloch County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
244 days
Last Spring Frost March 17
244 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16

McCulloch County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (38 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 18 Transplant: Mar 22 🍅 Harvest: Jul 26 – Oct 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (34 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 27 Transplant: Mar 31 🍅 Harvest: Aug 4 – Oct 13
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (31 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 Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Jicama needs ~3,300 GDD — county provides 5,368 GDD Excellent fit

Jicama Planting Timeline โ€” McCulloch 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

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

244 days

Growing Tips for McCulloch 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 McCulloch County, TX?

McCulloch 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 McCulloch County, TX?

McCulloch County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 17 and first fall frost is November 16.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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