When to Plant Ground Cherry in Pulaski 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.
Pulaski County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 3,004 feet, Pulaski County receives approximately 54.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Ground Cherry root diseases.
Pulaski County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.1
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.
Soil Compatibility in Pulaski County
How your county's soil matches Ground Cherry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.1) overlaps with Ground Cherry's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pulaski County is excellent for Ground Cherry — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Ground Cherry.
How to Plant Ground Cherry
Succession Planting Ground Cherry
Sow every 7.4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 03 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Ground Cherry
Ground Cherry needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Ground Cherry Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Pulaski County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Ground Cherry Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Pulaski County, KY
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Harvest | July 18 | Jul 18 – Sep 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
65–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Pulaski County
Growing Tips for Ground Cherry in Pulaski County
Direct sow Ground Cherry outdoors after April 18 in Pulaski County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Ground Cherry in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Ground Cherry in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Pulaski County, KY?
Pulaski County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pulaski County, KY?
Pulaski County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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