When to Plant Ground Cherry in Putnam County, WV
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Putnam County, West Virginia is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.
At an elevation of 2,650 feet, Putnam County receives approximately 46 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season.
Putnam County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.5
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Putnam County, WV
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 16 | May 16 – May 30 |
| Harvest | July 25 | Jul 25 – Sep 19 |
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 6b
Growing Season
178 days
Growing Tips for Putnam 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 Putnam County, WV?
Putnam County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Putnam County, WV?
Putnam County, West Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Putnam County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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