When to Plant Jicama in Benton County, WA
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.
Benton County, Washington is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 2,633 feet, Benton County receives approximately 22.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Jicama during the growing season.
Benton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Jicama Planting Timeline — Benton County, WA
Jicama Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Harvest | August 21 | Aug 21 – Oct 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
120–180 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 7a
Growing Season
207 days
Growing Tips for Benton 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
Level Up Your Garden
Jicama in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Jicama in Benton County, WA?
Benton County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 3. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benton County, WA?
Benton County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and first fall frost is October 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Benton County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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