When to Plant Jicama in Matagorda County, TX
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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.
Matagorda County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 19 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 290 days.
At an elevation of 161 feet, Matagorda County receives approximately 57.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Jicama may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Jicama will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Jicama root diseases.
Matagorda County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.5
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 Matagorda County
How your county's soil matches Jicama's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.5) is more acidic than Jicama prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Matagorda County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Jicama will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Matagorda 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 — Matagorda County, TX
Jicama Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 8 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Direct Sow | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 12 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Sep 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
120–180 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
290 days in Matagorda County
Growing Tips for Jicama in Matagorda County
Direct sow Jicama outdoors after February 19 in Matagorda County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Matagorda County dries quickly — mulch Jicama with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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
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Jicama in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Jicama in Matagorda County, TX?
Matagorda County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 19. Plan your Jicama planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Matagorda County, TX?
Matagorda County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 19 and first fall frost is December 6.
Your Matagorda County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Matagorda County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.