When to Plant Ground Cherry in Clay 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.
Clay County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.
At an elevation of 1,373 feet, Clay County receives approximately 33.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season.
Clay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.8
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
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Clay County, MO
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Sep 7 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
65–80 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
194 days
Growing Tips for Clay 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 Clay County, MO?
Clay County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clay County, MO?
Clay County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Clay County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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