When to Plant Jicama in Monroe County, FL
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.
Monroe County, Florida is in USDA Zone 11a. The average last spring frost is January 22 and the first fall frost is April 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 83 days.
At an elevation of 169 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 55.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Jicama during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — 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.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.8-5.7
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Oct in Monroe County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Jicama Planting Timeline — Monroe County, FL
Jicama Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 11 | Dec 11 – Dec 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 29 | Jan 29 – Feb 12 |
| Direct Sow | January 22 | Jan 22 – Feb 12 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Aug 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
120–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 11a
📆 Growing Season
83 days in Monroe County
Growing Tips for Monroe 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Jicama in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Jicama in Monroe County, FL?
Monroe County is in Zone 11a with an average last frost of January 22. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, FL?
Monroe County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 11a. The average last spring frost is January 22 and first fall frost is .
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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