When to Plant Che Fruit in Ionia 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.
Ionia County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 705 feet, Ionia County receives approximately 35.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Che Fruit during the growing season.
Ionia County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.8
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 — Ionia County, MI
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
· 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 5b
Growing Season
162 days
Growing Tips for Ionia 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 Ionia County, MI?
Ionia County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ionia County, MI?
Ionia County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Ionia County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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