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When to plant Ground Cherry in Anchorage Municipality, AK

Plant Ground Cherry in Anchorage Municipality during the brief June 5–June 19 window. With 127 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before September 19.

When to Plant Ground Cherry in Anchorage Municipality, AK

Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.

Anchorage Municipality, Alaska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 127 days.

At an elevation of 2,537 feet, Anchorage Municipality receives approximately 20.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 71°F, so choose short-season varieties of Ground Cherry to ensure they mature before fall.

Anchorage Municipality, AK (Zone 5a) Short season
127 days
Last Spring Frost May 15
127 growing days
First Fall Frost September 19

Anchorage Municipality Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Anchorage Municipality, AK

Ground Cherry Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 5 Jun 5 – Jun 19
Harvest August 14 Aug 14 – Oct 9

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5a

📆 Growing Season

127 days in Anchorage Municipality

Growing Tips for Anchorage Municipality

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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Ground Cherry in Anchorage Municipality, AK?

Anchorage Municipality is in Zone 5a 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 Anchorage Municipality, AK?

Anchorage Municipality, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 19.

When should I plant Ground Cherry in Anchorage Municipality, AK?

In Anchorage Municipality, AK, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around May 15) and before the first frost (around September 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Anchorage Municipality, AK for Ground Cherry?

Anchorage Municipality sits in USDA Zone 5a. Ground Cherry grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Ground Cherry grow in Anchorage Municipality's climate?

Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Anchorage Municipality's temperate climate. Anchorage Municipality averages a 127-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 15 and first frost around September 19.

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Your Anchorage Municipality Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Anchorage Municipality (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Anchorage Municipality, AK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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