When to Plant Ground Cherry in Oxford County, ME
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Oxford County, Maine is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 16 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 136 days.
At an elevation of 186 feet, Oxford County receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Ground Cherry to ensure they mature before fall.
Oxford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.4
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
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Oxford County, ME
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 13 | Jun 13 – Jun 27 |
| Harvest | August 22 | Aug 22 – Oct 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| 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 4b
Growing Season
136 days
Growing Tips for Oxford 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 Oxford County, ME?
Oxford County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 16. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Oxford County, ME?
Oxford County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 16 and first fall frost is September 29.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Oxford County gardeners in Zone 4b 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.