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When to Plant Ground Cherry in Magoffin County, KY

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

Magoffin County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 2,020 feet, Magoffin County receives approximately 44.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season.

Magoffin County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Magoffin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (46 days to spare)
Transplant: May 1 🍅 Harvest: Jul 10 – Sep 4
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (44 days to spare)
Transplant: May 9 🍅 Harvest: Jul 18 – Sep 12
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (46 days to spare)
Transplant: May 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 30 – Sep 24

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 22 gal / 100 sq ft
Ground Cherry needs ~1,323 GDD — county provides 3,485 GDD Excellent fit

Ground Cherry Planting Timeline โ€” Magoffin County, KY

Ground Cherry Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 9 May 9 โ€“ May 23
Harvest July 18 Jul 18 โ€“ Sep 12

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

65โ€“80 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 6b

Growing Season

191 days

Growing Tips for Magoffin 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

  • Fennel

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Ground Cherry in Magoffin County, KY?

Magoffin County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Magoffin County, KY?

Magoffin County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 26.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Magoffin County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Magoffin County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.