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When to Plant Ground Cherry in West Virginia

Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.

West Virginia spans USDA hardiness zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Ground Cherry planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Ground Cherry Planting Calendar for West Virginia

Zone 5a ~166 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 25 · First frost: October 8 · 166 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 16 May 16 – May 30
Harvest July 25 Jul 25 – Sep 19
Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 9 May 9 – May 23
Harvest July 18 Jul 18 – Sep 12
Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 1 May 1 – May 15
Harvest July 10 Jul 10 – Sep 4
Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 24 Apr 24 – May 8
Harvest July 3 Jul 3 – Aug 28

Growing Tips for West Virginia

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Ground Cherry in West Virginia?

Planting dates for Ground Cherry in West Virginia depend on your USDA zone. West Virginia spans zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is West Virginia for planting?

West Virginia contains USDA hardiness zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.