When to Plant Che Fruit in Randolph County, AR
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.
Randolph County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.
At an elevation of 308 feet, Randolph County receives approximately 52.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Che Fruit during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Che Fruit root diseases.
Randolph County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
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.
Plant Water Budget
Che Fruit Planting Timeline — Randolph County, AR
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 7a
Growing Season
220 days
Growing Tips for Randolph County
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Che Fruit in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Che Fruit in Randolph County, AR?
Randolph County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Randolph County, AR?
Randolph County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Randolph County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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