When to Plant Che Fruit in Hancock County, IN
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.
Hancock County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 583 feet, Hancock County receives approximately 41.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Che Fruit during the growing season.
Hancock County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Che Fruit Planting Timeline — Hancock County, IN
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| 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 6a
Growing Season
185 days
Growing Tips for Hancock 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 Hancock County, IN?
Hancock County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hancock County, IN?
Hancock County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 19.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Hancock County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.