When to plant Ground Cherry in Boone County County,
Plant Ground Cherry in Boone County County, between April 26 and May 10 — the only viable window. Zone 7b's short season (205 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Boone County, AR
Your June game plan for Boone County, Arkansas
Each item below is timed to Boone County, Arkansas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
July prep starts now
- 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.
Boone County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 5 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.
At an elevation of 844 feet, Boone County receives approximately 52.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Ground Cherry root diseases.
Boone County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Ground Cherry 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 Boone County
How your county's soil matches Ground Cherry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–7.1) overlaps with Ground Cherry's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Boone County is excellent for Ground Cherry — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Ground Cherry.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Ground Cherry.
How to Plant Ground Cherry
Succession Planting Ground Cherry
Sow every 7.4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 08 to harvest before frost.
Ground Cherry Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Boone 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 — Boone County, AR
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Harvest | July 5 | Jul 5 – Aug 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
65–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
205 days in Boone County
Growing Tips for Ground Cherry in Boone County
Direct sow Ground Cherry outdoors after April 05 in Boone County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Ground Cherry in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
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
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 Boone County, AR?
Boone County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 5. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Boone County, AR?
Boone County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 5 and first fall frost is October 27.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Boone County, ?
In Boone County, , plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around April 5) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Boone County, for Ground Cherry?
Boone County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Ground Cherry grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ground Cherry grow in Boone County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Boone County's temperate climate. Boone County averages a 205-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 5 and first frost around October 27.
Your Boone County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Boone County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.