When to Plant Ground Cherry in Butler County, MO
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Butler County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.
At an elevation of 703 feet, Butler County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season.
Butler County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
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 — Butler County, MO
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Aug 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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 6b
Growing Season
220 days
Growing Tips for Butler 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 Butler County, MO?
Butler County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Butler County, MO?
Butler County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Butler County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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