When to Plant Ground Cherry in Honolulu County, HI
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Honolulu County, Hawaii is in USDA Zone 11b. The average last spring frost is January 1 and the first fall frost is December 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 364 days.
At an elevation of 235 feet, Honolulu County receives approximately 44.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silty clay soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Ground Cherry, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Honolulu County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silty Clay
Soil pH
5.7-6.4
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 — Honolulu County, HI
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | January 15 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 |
| Harvest | March 26 | Mar 26 – May 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors |
| February | — |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| 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 11b
Growing Season
364 days
Growing Tips for Honolulu 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 Honolulu County, HI?
Honolulu County is in Zone 11b with an average last frost of January 1. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Honolulu County, HI?
Honolulu County, Hawaii is in USDA Hardiness Zone 11b. The average last spring frost is January 1 and first fall frost is December 31.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Honolulu County gardeners in Zone 11b 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.