When to Plant Jicama in Currituck County, NC
May to-do list for Currituck County, North Carolina
Here's what deserves your attention in Currituck County, North Carolina this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Indoor seed-starting week for jicama
These need a head start before your last frost (March 26). 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.
Currituck County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.
At an elevation of 367 feet, Currituck County receives approximately 45.3 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.
Currituck County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.4
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 Currituck County
How your county's soil matches Jicama's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.4) overlaps with Jicama's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Currituck County is excellent for Jicama — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). 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 | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Currituck 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 — Currituck County, NC
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
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
120–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
235 days in Currituck County
Growing Tips for Jicama in Currituck County
Direct sow Jicama outdoors after March 26 in Currituck County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Currituck County's clay soil (29% 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 Currituck County, NC?
Currituck County is in Zone 8b 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 Currituck County, NC?
Currituck County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 16.
Your Currituck County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Currituck County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.