When to plant Ground Cherry in Coffee County, AL
Plant Ground Cherry in Coffee County, between April 2 and April 16 — the only viable window. Zone 8b's short season (247 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Coffee County, AL
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Coffee County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 247 days.
At an elevation of 342 feet, Coffee County receives approximately 55.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Ground Cherry may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Ground Cherry, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Ground Cherry root diseases.
Coffee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Coffee County, AL
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | June 11 | Jun 11 – Aug 6 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
65–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
247 days in Coffee County
Growing Tips for Coffee 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Ground Cherry in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Coffee County, AL?
Coffee County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Coffee County, AL?
Coffee County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 14.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Coffee County, AL?
In Coffee County, AL, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around March 12) and before the first frost (around November 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Coffee County, AL for Ground Cherry?
Coffee County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Ground Cherry grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ground Cherry grow in Coffee County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Coffee County's temperate climate. Coffee County averages a 247-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 12 and first frost around November 14.
Your Coffee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Coffee County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.