When to Plant Che Fruit in Jones County, MS
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.
Jones County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 252 days.
At an elevation of 392 feet, Jones County receives approximately 58.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Che Fruit may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.
Jones County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.2
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.
Soil Compatibility in Jones County
How your county's soil matches Che Fruit's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.2) is more acidic than Che Fruit prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Jones County is excellent for Che Fruit — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Che Fruit.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Che Fruit.
How to Plant Che Fruit
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Jones County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Che Fruit Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Che Fruit Planting Timeline — Jones County, MS
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
252 days in Jones County
Growing Tips for Che Fruit in Jones County
Direct sow Che Fruit outdoors after March 08 in Jones County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Jones County's clay soil (30% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Che Fruit. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Jones County, provide afternoon shade for Che Fruit and water deeply in the morning.
Your 252.0-day growing season in Jones County is tight for Che Fruit (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
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 →
Che Fruit in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Che Fruit in Jones County, MS?
Jones County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jones County, MS?
Jones County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 15.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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