When to Plant Ground Cherry in Lassen 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.
Lassen County, California is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 28 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 124 days.
At an elevation of 1,854 feet, Lassen County receives approximately 43.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Ground Cherry to ensure they mature before fall.
Lassen County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.5
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
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Lassen County, CA
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 2 |
| Harvest | August 27 | Aug 27 – Oct 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 6b
Growing Season
124 days
Growing Tips for Lassen 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 Lassen County, CA?
Lassen County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 28. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lassen County, CA?
Lassen County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 28 and first fall frost is September 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lassen County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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