When to Plant Ground Cherry in Mendocino 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.
Mendocino County, California is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.
At an elevation of 180 feet, Mendocino County receives approximately 24 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Ground Cherry will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Mendocino County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Mendocino County, CA
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| 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 8b
Growing Season
231 days
Growing Tips for Mendocino 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 Mendocino County, CA?
Mendocino County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mendocino County, CA?
Mendocino County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 9.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Mendocino County gardeners in Zone 8b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.