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When to Plant Jicama in Milam 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.

Milam County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 262 days.

At an elevation of 61 feet, Milam County receives approximately 65.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, 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.

Milam County, TX (Zone 8a) Long season
262 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
262 growing days
First Fall Frost November 21

Milam County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.8-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (59 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 30 Transplant: Mar 3 🍅 Harvest: Jul 7 – Sep 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (52 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 14 Transplant: Mar 18 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Sep 30
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (54 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 3 Transplant: Apr 7 🍅 Harvest: Aug 11 – Oct 20

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
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Jicama needs ~2,850 GDD — county provides 4,978 GDD Excellent fit

Jicama Planting Timeline โ€” Milam County, TX

Jicama Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 14 Jan 14 โ€“ Jan 28
Transplant Outdoors March 18 Mar 18 โ€“ Apr 1
Direct Sow March 11 Mar 11 โ€“ Apr 1
Harvest July 22 Jul 22 โ€“ Sep 30

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

262 days

Growing Tips for Milam 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 Milam County, TX?

Milam County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Milam County, TX?

Milam County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 21.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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