When to plant Ground Cherry in Yuma County, AZ
Yuma County's 295-day season only supports one Ground Cherry planting per year. Sow between February 24 and March 10 for the best chance at full maturity before December 1.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Yuma County, AZ
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Yuma County, Arizona is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 10 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 294 days.
At an elevation of 4,781 feet, Yuma 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.
Yuma County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.9-8.4
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 | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Yuma County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Yuma County, AZ
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Harvest | May 5 | May 5 – Jun 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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 10a
📆 Growing Season
294 days in Yuma County
Growing Tips for Yuma 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Ground Cherry in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Yuma County, AZ?
Yuma County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of February 10. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Yuma County, AZ?
Yuma County, Arizona is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 10 and first fall frost is December 1.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Yuma County, AZ?
In Yuma County, AZ, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around February 10) and before the first frost (around December 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Yuma County, AZ for Ground Cherry?
Yuma County sits in USDA Zone 10a. Ground Cherry grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ground Cherry grow in Yuma County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Yuma County's temperate climate. Yuma County averages a 295-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 10 and first frost around December 1.
Your Yuma County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Yuma County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.