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When to plant Jicama in St. Clair County, IL

Plant Jicama in St. Clair County after April 2; the prime window is April 9–April 30.

When to Plant Jicama in St. Clair County, IL

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.

St. Clair County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 214 days.

At an elevation of 711 feet, St. Clair County receives approximately 34.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Jicama during the growing season.

St. Clair County, IL (Zone 7a) Long season
214 days
Last Spring Frost April 2
214 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

St. Clair County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.3

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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Dec 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in St. Clair County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Jicama Planting Timeline — St. Clair County, IL

Jicama Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 12 Feb 12 – Feb 26
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 – Apr 30
Direct Sow April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 30
Harvest August 20 Aug 20 – Oct 29

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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

120–180 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

📆 Growing Season

214 days in St. Clair County

Growing Tips for St. Clair 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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Jicama in St. Clair County, IL?

St. Clair County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is St. Clair County, IL?

St. Clair County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 2.

When should I plant Jicama in St. Clair County, IL?

In St. Clair County, IL, plant Jicama after the last frost (around April 2) and before the first frost (around November 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is St. Clair County, IL for Jicama?

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

Can Jicama grow in St. Clair County's climate?

Yes — Jicama grows well in St. Clair County's temperate climate. St. Clair County averages a 214-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 2 and first frost around November 2.

🌱

Your St. Clair County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for St. Clair County (Zone 7a). 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 St. Clair County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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