When to Plant Jicama in Caldwell County, NC
What to do in May
Your Caldwell County, North Carolina garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Begin indoor sowing: jicama
These need a head start before your last frost (April 10). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
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.
Caldwell County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 1,108 feet, Caldwell County receives approximately 46 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°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.
Caldwell County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
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 Caldwell County
How your county's soil matches Jicama's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.5) is more acidic than Jicama prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Caldwell 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 (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Jicama.
How to Plant Jicama
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Caldwell 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 — Caldwell County, NC
Jicama Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Harvest | August 28 | Aug 28 – Nov 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Caldwell County
Growing Tips for Jicama in Caldwell County
Direct sow Jicama outdoors after April 10 in Caldwell County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Caldwell County's clay soil (33% 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Jicama in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Jicama in Caldwell County, NC?
Caldwell County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Caldwell County, NC?
Caldwell County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 26.
Your Caldwell County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Caldwell County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.