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When to plant Jicama in Bartow County, GA

Aim to plant Jicama in Bartow County on or after April 4; the window stays open through April 25. Bartow County's 218-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession.

When to Plant Jicama in Bartow County, GA

Bartow County, Georgia Zone 8a July

July in the garden — Bartow County, Georgia

Welcome to July in Zone 8a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.

Avg. last frost March 28
Avg. first frost November 1
Soil temp (4") 87°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.1 hrs
Looking ahead to August
  • First harvests: jicama

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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.

Bartow County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.

At an elevation of 444 feet, Bartow County receives approximately 51.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, 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.

Bartow County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
218 days
Last Spring Frost March 28
218 growing days
First Fall Frost November 1

Bartow County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Jicama Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (9 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 1 Transplant: Apr 5 🍅 Harvest: Aug 9 – Oct 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (8 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 7 Transplant: Apr 11 🍅 Harvest: Aug 15 – Oct 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (9 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 27 Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Sep 4 – Nov 13

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 Bartow County

How your county's soil matches Jicama's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.8–6.6) overlaps with Jicama's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The clay loam soil in Bartow County is excellent for Jicama — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Jicama.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Jicama.

How to Plant Jicama

0.5"
Planting Depth
6"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Jicama Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

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 5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bartow 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 needs ~2,625 GDD — county provides 3,815 GDD Excellent fit

Jicama Planting Timeline — Bartow County, GA

Jicama Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 7 Feb 7 – Feb 21
Transplant Outdoors April 11 Apr 11 – Apr 25
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 25
Harvest August 15 Aug 15 – Oct 24

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June
July
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

120–180 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

218 days in Bartow County

Growing Tips for Jicama in Bartow County

Direct sow Jicama outdoors after March 28 in Bartow County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Bartow County's clay soil (27% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Jicama. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.

Common pests for Jicama in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Jicama in Bartow County, GA?

Bartow County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bartow County, GA?

Bartow County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 1.

When should I plant Jicama in Bartow County, GA?

In Bartow County, GA, plant Jicama after the last frost (around March 28) and before the first frost (around November 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bartow County, GA for Jicama?

Bartow County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Jicama grows reliably in zones 7a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Jicama grow in Bartow County's climate?

Yes — Jicama grows well in Bartow County's temperate climate. Bartow County averages a 218-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 28 and first frost around November 1.

🌱

Your Bartow County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bartow County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Bartow County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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