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When to plant Jicama in Jackson County, GA

Plant Jicama in Jackson County from April 2 to April 23 in spring. Jackson County sits in USDA Zone 8a, with last frost around March 26 and first frost on November 10.

When to Plant Jicama in Jackson County, GA

Jackson County, Georgia Zone 8a August

Jackson County, Georgia gardeners: here's your August plan

Your garden in Jackson County, Georgia is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this August.

Avg. last frost March 26
Avg. first frost November 10
Soil temp (4") 86°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.3 hrs
  1. Collect jicama at their peak

    The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.

September will be here before you know it — start on
  • 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.

Jackson County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 229 days.

At an elevation of 225 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 55 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°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.

Jackson County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
229 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
229 growing days
First Fall Frost November 10

Jackson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Jicama Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (18 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 28 Transplant: Apr 1 🍅 Harvest: Aug 5 – Oct 14
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (19 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 5 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: Aug 13 – Oct 22
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (18 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 26 Transplant: Apr 30 🍅 Harvest: Sep 3 – Nov 12

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 Jackson County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.6–6.2) is more acidic than Jicama prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

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

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). 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 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Jackson 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 ~2,962 GDD — county provides 4,522 GDD Excellent fit

Jicama Planting Timeline — Jackson County, GA

Jicama Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 5 Feb 5 – Feb 19
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23
Direct Sow April 2 Apr 2 – Apr 23
Harvest August 13 Aug 13 – Oct 22

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: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

229 days in Jackson County

Growing Tips for Jicama in Jackson County

Direct sow Jicama outdoors after March 26 in Jackson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With Jackson County's clay soil (28% 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 Jackson County, GA?

Jackson County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jackson County, GA?

Jackson County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 10.

When should I plant Jicama in Jackson County, GA?

In Jackson County, GA, plant Jicama after the last frost (around March 26) and before the first frost (around November 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jackson County, GA for Jicama?

Jackson 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 Jackson County's climate?

Yes — Jicama grows well in Jackson County's temperate climate. Jackson County averages a 229-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 10.

🌱

Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson 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 Jackson County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.