When to Plant Che Fruit in Crenshaw County, AL
This month in Crenshaw County, Alabama
Each item below is timed to Crenshaw County, Alabama's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
Che fruit (Chinese mulberry) is a small, cold-hardy tree producing round, red fruits with a sweet, watermelon-fig flavor. It is an underutilized fruit tree with great potential.
Crenshaw County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 246 days.
At an elevation of 132 feet, Crenshaw County receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Che Fruit during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Che Fruit, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Che Fruit root diseases.
Crenshaw County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.3
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 Crenshaw County
How your county's soil matches Che Fruit's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.3) is more acidic than Che Fruit prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Crenshaw County is excellent for Che Fruit — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Che Fruit.
How to Plant Che Fruit
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Che Fruit
Che Fruit needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Che Fruit Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Crenshaw County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Che Fruit Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Che Fruit Planting Timeline — Crenshaw County, AL
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
246 days in Crenshaw County
Growing Tips for Che Fruit in Crenshaw County
Direct sow Che Fruit outdoors after March 12 in Crenshaw County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Crenshaw County's clay soil (31% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Che Fruit. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your 246.0-day growing season in Crenshaw County is tight for Che Fruit (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Plant in well-drained soil. A male pollinator is needed for seeded fruit, but seedless fruit can set parthenocarpically. Minimal pruning required. Fruits ripen in late summer.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Che Fruit in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Che Fruit in Crenshaw County, AL?
Crenshaw County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Crenshaw County, AL?
Crenshaw County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 13.
Your Crenshaw County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Crenshaw 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.