When to Plant Jicama in San Benito County, CA
Your May gardening checklist
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in San Benito County, California.
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 Benito County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 21 and the first fall frost is November 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 281 days.
At an elevation of 149 feet, San Benito County receives approximately 13 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Jicama during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Jicama successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
San Benito County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.4
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.
Soil Compatibility in San Benito County
How your county's soil matches Jicama's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.4) is within Jicama's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in San Benito County is excellent for Jicama — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Jicama.
How to Plant Jicama
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Jicama
Jicama needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Jicama Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in San Benito County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Jicama Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Jicama Planting Timeline — San Benito County, CA
Jicama Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 10 | Jan 10 – Jan 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Direct Sow | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 14 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Sep 12 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
120–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
281 days in San Benito County
Growing Tips for Jicama in San Benito County
Direct sow Jicama outdoors after February 21 in San Benito County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Jicama in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
San Benito County receives only 13" of rain annually. Jicama needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Jicama in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Jicama in San Benito County, CA?
San Benito County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 21. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is San Benito County, CA?
San Benito County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 21 and first fall frost is November 29.
Your San Benito County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for San Benito County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.