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When to plant Ground Cherry in Apache County County,

Plant Ground Cherry in Apache County County during the brief June 10–June 24 window. With 143 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 10.

When to Plant Ground Cherry in Apache County

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

Apache County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.

At an elevation of 7,720 feet, Apache County receives approximately 9.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Ground Cherry will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Ground Cherry successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Apache County, (Zone 6b) Short season
143 days
Last Spring Frost May 20
143 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Apache County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.2-8.7

Drainage

Well Drained

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 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 0.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 0.2" 4.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.3" 4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 0.8" 3.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Apache County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Apache County,

Ground Cherry Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 10 Jun 10 – Jun 24
Harvest August 19 Aug 19 – Oct 14

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 6b

📆 Growing Season

143 days in Apache County

Growing Tips for Apache 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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Ground Cherry in Apache County, ?

Apache County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Apache County, ?

Apache County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is October 10.

When should I plant Ground Cherry in Apache County County, ?

In Apache County County, , plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around May 20) and before the first frost (around October 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Apache County County, for Ground Cherry?

Apache County County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Ground Cherry grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Ground Cherry grow in Apache County County's climate?

Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Apache County County's temperate climate. Apache County County averages a 143-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 20 and first frost around October 10.

🌱

Your Apache County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Apache County (Zone 6b). 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 Apache County, . Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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