When to Plant Che Fruit in Pinal County, AZ
Your May gardening checklist
Here's what deserves your attention in Pinal County, Arizona this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9a and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
Pinal County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.
At an elevation of 3,959 feet, Pinal County receives approximately 15.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Che Fruit may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Che Fruit will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Che Fruit successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Pinal County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7-8.6
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 Pinal County
How your county's soil matches Che Fruit's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.0–8.6) is more alkaline than Che Fruit prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Pinal County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Che Fruit will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Che Fruit.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Che Fruit.
How to Plant Che Fruit
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Pinal 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 — Pinal County, AZ
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
277 days in Pinal County
Growing Tips for Che Fruit in Pinal County
Direct sow Che Fruit outdoors after February 23 in Pinal County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Pinal County dries quickly — mulch Che Fruit with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 98°F in Pinal County, provide afternoon shade for Che Fruit and water deeply in the morning.
Your 278.0-day growing season in Pinal County is tight for Che Fruit (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Pinal County receives only 16" of rain annually. Che Fruit needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Pinal County, AZ?
Pinal County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 23. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pinal County, AZ?
Pinal County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 23 and first fall frost is November 27.
Your Pinal County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Pinal 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.