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When to Plant Che Fruit in Atkinson County, GA

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.

Atkinson County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 262 days.

At an elevation of 193 feet, Atkinson County receives approximately 57.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95ยฐF, so Che Fruit may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Che Fruit, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Che Fruit root diseases.

Atkinson County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
262 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
262 growing days
First Fall Frost November 23

Atkinson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Mar 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: Apr 16

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 182 gal / 100 sq ft
Che Fruit needs ~31,025 GDD — county provides 5,567 GDD May not mature

Che Fruit Planting Timeline โ€” Atkinson County, GA

Che Fruit Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 27 Mar 27 โ€“ Apr 10

ยท 120" apart ยท Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April Transplant Outdoors
May โ€”
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

1095โ€“1825 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 8b

Growing Season

262 days

Growing Tips for Atkinson 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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Che Fruit in Atkinson County, GA?

Atkinson County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Atkinson County, GA?

Atkinson County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 23.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Atkinson County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Atkinson County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.