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When to Plant Gooseberries in Sullivan County, IN

Gooseberries are thorny shrubs producing tart, grape-sized berries excellent for pies, jams, and preserves. They thrive in cooler climates and tolerate partial shade.

Sullivan County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.

At an elevation of 914 feet, Sullivan County receives approximately 34.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Gooseberries during the growing season.

Sullivan County, IN (Zone 6a) Moderate season
182 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
182 growing days
First Fall Frost October 17

Sullivan County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 9
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season
Transplant: May 25

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 326 gal / 100 sq ft
Gooseberries needs ~15,969 GDD — county provides 3,185 GDD May not mature

Gooseberries Planting Timeline โ€” Sullivan County, IN

Gooseberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 9 May 9 โ€“ May 23

ยท 48" apart ยท Rows 72" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

730โ€“1095 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 6.5

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

182 days

Growing Tips for Sullivan County

Plant in a location with afternoon shade in hot climates. Prune to an open goblet shape for air circulation. Mulch heavily and avoid cultivation near shallow roots.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Gooseberries in Sullivan County, IN?

Sullivan County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Gooseberries planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sullivan County, IN?

Sullivan County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 17.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Sullivan County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Sullivan County, IN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.