When to Plant Ground Cherry in Fremont County, WY
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Fremont County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 129 days.
At an elevation of 6,059 feet, Fremont County receives approximately 14.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Ground Cherry to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Ground Cherry successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Fremont County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Fremont County, WY
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jun 26 |
| Harvest | August 21 | Aug 21 – Oct 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 4a
Growing Season
129 days
Growing Tips for Fremont 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 Fremont County, WY?
Fremont County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fremont County, WY?
Fremont County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Fremont County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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