When to Plant Che Fruit in Carroll County, IA
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.
Carroll County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.
At an elevation of 751 feet, Carroll County receives approximately 38.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Che Fruit during the growing season.
Carroll County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.9
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 — Carroll County, IA
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 5a
Growing Season
161 days
Growing Tips for Carroll 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 Carroll County, IA?
Carroll County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carroll County, IA?
Carroll County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 5.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Carroll County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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