When to Plant Ground Cherry in Davis County, UT
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Davis County, Utah is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 6 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 4,567 feet, Davis County receives approximately 16.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Ground Cherry successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Davis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.6
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.
Soil Compatibility in Davis County
How your county's soil matches Ground Cherry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.6) overlaps with Ground Cherry's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Davis County is excellent for Ground Cherry — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Ground Cherry.
How to Plant Ground Cherry
Succession Planting Ground Cherry
Sow every 7.4 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 22 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Davis County, UT
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 10 |
| Harvest | August 5 | Aug 5 – Sep 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
65–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
157 days in Davis County
Growing Tips for Ground Cherry in Davis County
Direct sow Ground Cherry outdoors after May 06 in Davis 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.
Davis County receives only 17" of rain annually. Ground Cherry needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Ground Cherry in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Davis County, UT?
Davis County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 6. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Davis County, UT?
Davis County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 6 and first fall frost is October 10.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Davis County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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