Che Fruit Planting Guide
Che fruit (Chinese mulberry) is a small, cold-hardy tree producing round, red fruits with a sweet, watermelon-fig flavor. It is an underutilized fruit tree with great potential.
Maclura tricuspidata · Fruit · Moraceae family · 1095–1825 days to maturity
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Where Can You Grow Che Fruit?
Che Fruit Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Che Fruit planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 5a | — | — | May 16 | — |
| Zone 5b | — | — | May 9 | — |
| Zone 6a | — | — | May 1 | — |
| Zone 6b | — | — | Apr 24 | — |
| Zone 7a | — | — | Apr 15 | — |
| Zone 7b | — | — | Apr 8 | — |
| Zone 8a | — | — | Mar 29 | — |
| Zone 8b | — | — | Mar 18 | — |
| Zone 9a | — | — | Feb 24 | — |
| Zone 9b | — | — | Feb 8 | — |
| Zone 10a | — | — | Jan 15 | — |
| Zone 10b | — | — | Jan 15 | — |
Why are some columns showing "—"?
Start Indoors shows "—" because Che Fruit is typically direct sown outdoors rather than started indoors. It germinates quickly and doesn't transplant well.
Direct Sow shows "—" because Che Fruit benefits from being started indoors first, then transplanted after the last frost.
How to Plant Che Fruit
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Consistent moisture produces the best results.
🧪 Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil — ideal for most garden beds.
🗺️ Hardiness Zones
Zone 5a – 10b
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
Long-season crop. Start indoors in cold climates to get a head start.
👪 Plant Family
Moraceae
Rotate with other families yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don't plant in the same spot where Moraceae family crops grew last year.
How Much Che Fruit to Grow
Che Fruit takes 1095–1825 days to mature. In most zones you'll get one harvest per season, so plant enough to last.
Companion Planting for Che Fruit
✅ Good Companions
Check more combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Growing Tips for Che Fruit
Plant in well-drained soil. A male pollinator is needed for seeded fruit, but seedless fruit can set parthenocarpically. Minimal pruning required. Fruits ripen in late summer.
Saving Che Fruit Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Sharp bypass pruners for clean cuts on fruit trees, berry bushes, and woody herbs.
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Level Up Your Garden
Che Fruit by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Che Fruit?
Che Fruit (Maclura tricuspidata) takes 1095 to 1825 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Che Fruit grow in?
Che Fruit can be grown in USDA zones 5a through 10b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Che Fruit need?
Growing Che Fruit requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.5.