When to Plant Ground Cherry in La Paz County, AZ
This month in La Paz County, Arizona
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in La Paz County, Arizona.
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Basket week: ground cherry
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Get ahead of June
- 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.
La Paz County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 2 and the first fall frost is December 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 307 days.
At an elevation of 4,875 feet, La Paz County receives approximately 17.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 105°F, so Ground Cherry may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.
La Paz County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.2-8.3
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 La Paz County
How your county's soil matches Ground Cherry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.2–8.3) is more alkaline than Ground Cherry prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in La Paz County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Ground Cherry will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Ground Cherry.
How to Plant Ground Cherry
Succession Planting Ground Cherry
Sow every 7.4 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 17 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in La Paz 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 — La Paz County, AZ
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Harvest | April 27 | Apr 27 – Jun 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
65–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
307 days in La Paz County
Growing Tips for Ground Cherry in La Paz County
Direct sow Ground Cherry outdoors after February 02 in La Paz County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in La Paz County dries quickly — mulch Ground Cherry with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 105°F in La Paz County, provide afternoon shade for Ground Cherry and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Ground Cherry in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
La Paz County receives only 17" of rain annually. Ground Cherry needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Ground Cherry in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Ground Cherry in La Paz County, AZ?
La Paz County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 2. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is La Paz County, AZ?
La Paz County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 2 and first fall frost is December 6.
Your La Paz County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for La Paz County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.