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When to Plant Ground Cherry in Florida

Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.

Florida spans USDA hardiness zones 10a, 10b, 11a, 8b, 9a, 9b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Ground Cherry planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Ground Cherry Planting Calendar for Florida

Zone 10a ~364 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors January 15 Jan 15 – Jan 29
Harvest March 26 Mar 26 – May 21
Zone 10b ~364 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors January 15 Jan 15 – Jan 29
Harvest March 26 Mar 26 – May 21
Zone 11a ~364 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors January 15 Jan 15 – Jan 29
Harvest March 26 Mar 26 – May 21
Zone 8b ~276 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 25 · First frost: November 28 · 276 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 18 Mar 18 – Apr 1
Harvest May 27 May 27 – Jul 22
Zone 9a ~303 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 10 · First frost: December 10 · 303 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 24 Feb 24 – Mar 10
Harvest May 5 May 5 – Jun 30
Zone 9b ~329 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 25 · First frost: December 20 · 329 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 8 Feb 8 – Feb 22
Harvest April 19 Apr 19 – Jun 14

Growing Tips for Florida

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Ground Cherry in Florida?

Planting dates for Ground Cherry in Florida depend on your USDA zone. Florida spans zones 10a, 10b, 11a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Florida for planting?

Florida contains USDA hardiness zones 10a, 10b, 11a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.