When to plant Ground Cherry in Franklin County County,
Franklin County County sits in cold Zone 7b. Plant Ground Cherry April 15–April 29 for the single annual harvest; the November 3 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Franklin County, AL
Your June game plan for Franklin County, Alabama
Welcome to June in Zone 7b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Collect ground cherry at their peak
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Get ahead of July
- First harvests: ground cherry
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Franklin County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 223 days.
At an elevation of 105 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 56.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season. 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.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Ground Cherry 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 Franklin County
How your county's soil matches Ground Cherry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.6) overlaps with Ground Cherry's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Franklin County is excellent for Ground Cherry — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Ground Cherry.
How to Plant Ground Cherry
Succession Planting Ground Cherry
Sow every 7.4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 15 to harvest before frost.
Ground Cherry Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Ground Cherry
Ground Cherry needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Ground Cherry Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Franklin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Ground Cherry 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.
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Franklin County, AL
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Aug 19 |
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
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
65–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
223 days in Franklin County
Growing Tips for Ground Cherry in Franklin County
Direct sow Ground Cherry outdoors after March 25 in Franklin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Franklin County's clay soil (28% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Ground Cherry. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Common pests for Ground Cherry in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Franklin County, AL?
Franklin County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 25. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, AL?
Franklin County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 25 and first fall frost is November 3.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Franklin County, ?
In Franklin County, , plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around March 25) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Franklin County, for Ground Cherry?
Franklin County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Ground Cherry grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ground Cherry grow in Franklin County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Franklin County's temperate climate. Franklin County averages a 223-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 25 and first frost around November 3.
Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.