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When to Plant Che Fruit in Laurens 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.

Laurens County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 10 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 250 days.

At an elevation of 183 feet, Laurens County receives approximately 53.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91Β°F, providing good warmth for Che Fruit during the growing season. 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.

Laurens County, GA (Zone 8a) Long season
250 days
Last Spring Frost March 10
250 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15

Laurens County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Che Fruit

Che Fruit needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Che Fruit Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3" 1.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Laurens County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Che Fruit Planting Timeline β€” Laurens County, GA

Che Fruit Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 31 Mar 31 – Apr 14

Β· 120" apart Β· Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

1095–1825 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

250 days in Laurens County

Growing Tips for Laurens 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Laurens County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 10. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Laurens County, GA?

Laurens County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 10 and first fall frost is November 15.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

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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 Laurens County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.