When to Plant Ground Cherry in Amador County, CA
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Amador County, California is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 262 days.
At an elevation of 1,335 feet, Amador County receives approximately 42.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season.
Amador County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Amador County, CA
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Harvest | June 7 | Jun 7 – Aug 2 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
65–80 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 8a
Growing Season
262 days
Growing Tips for Amador County
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Let fruits fall to the ground naturally when ripe inside their husks. The husk turns brown and papery when the fruit is ready.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Ground Cherry in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Amador County, CA?
Amador County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Amador County, CA?
Amador County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 25.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Amador County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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