When to Plant Ground Cherry in Minidoka County, ID
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Minidoka County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 146 days.
At an elevation of 5,990 feet, Minidoka County receives approximately 22.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season.
Minidoka County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.8
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 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Minidoka County, ID
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 31 | May 31 – Jun 14 |
| Harvest | August 9 | Aug 9 – Oct 4 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
146 days
Growing Tips for Minidoka 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 Minidoka County, ID?
Minidoka County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Minidoka County, ID?
Minidoka County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Minidoka County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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