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When to Plant Jicama in San Augustine 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.

San Augustine County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.

At an elevation of 146 feet, San Augustine County receives approximately 62.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, so Jicama may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Jicama will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Jicama root diseases.

San Augustine County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
256 days
Last Spring Frost March 5
256 growing days
First Fall Frost November 16

San Augustine County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (50 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 7 Transplant: Mar 11 🍅 Harvest: Jul 15 – Sep 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (46 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 15 Transplant: Mar 19 🍅 Harvest: Jul 23 – Oct 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (36 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 11 Transplant: Apr 15 🍅 Harvest: Aug 19 – Oct 28

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 5,632 GDD Excellent fit

Jicama Planting Timeline โ€” San Augustine County, TX

Jicama Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 15 Jan 15 โ€“ Jan 29
Transplant Outdoors March 19 Mar 19 โ€“ Apr 2
Direct Sow March 12 Mar 12 โ€“ Apr 2
Harvest July 23 Jul 23 โ€“ Oct 1

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 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 8b

Growing Season

256 days

Growing Tips for San Augustine 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 San Augustine County, TX?

San Augustine County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is San Augustine County, TX?

San Augustine County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 5 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 San Augustine County gardeners in Zone 8b 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 San Augustine County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.