When to Plant Che Fruit in Grand Traverse County, MI
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.
Grand Traverse County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 149 days.
At an elevation of 787 feet, Grand Traverse County receives approximately 38.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Che Fruit during the growing season.
Grand Traverse County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.9
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 — Grand Traverse County, MI
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jun 17 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
149 days
Growing Tips for Grand Traverse 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 Grand Traverse County, MI?
Grand Traverse County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Grand Traverse County, MI?
Grand Traverse County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is October 9.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Grand Traverse County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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