When to Plant Jicama in Gonzales County, TX
May in the garden — Gonzales County, Texas
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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.
Gonzales County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 28 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 273 days.
At an elevation of 4,385 feet, Gonzales County receives approximately 67 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Jicama may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Jicama root diseases.
Gonzales County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.4
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 Gonzales County
How your county's soil matches Jicama's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.4) is within Jicama's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Gonzales County is excellent for Jicama — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Jicama.
How to Plant Jicama
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 10.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Gonzales 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 — Gonzales County, TX
Jicama Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 17 | Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Direct Sow | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 21 |
| Harvest | July 11 | Jul 11 – Sep 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
273 days in Gonzales County
Growing Tips for Jicama in Gonzales County
Direct sow Jicama outdoors after February 28 in Gonzales County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Gonzales County, provide afternoon shade for Jicama and water deeply in the morning.
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 Gonzales County, TX?
Gonzales County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 28. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gonzales County, TX?
Gonzales County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 28 and first fall frost is November 28.
Your Gonzales County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Gonzales County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.