When to Plant Che Fruit in Bradley County, AR
What to do in April
Here's what deserves your attention in Bradley County, Arkansas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Time to transplant che fruit
Frost risk is low now in Bradley County, Arkansas. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
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.
Bradley County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 227 days.
At an elevation of 614 feet, Bradley County receives approximately 51.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Che Fruit during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Che Fruit root diseases.
Bradley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.7
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 Bradley County
How your county's soil matches Che Fruit's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.7) overlaps with Che Fruit's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Bradley County is excellent for Che Fruit — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Che Fruit.
How to Plant Che Fruit
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bradley 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 — Bradley County, AR
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
227 days in Bradley County
Growing Tips for Che Fruit in Bradley County
Direct sow Che Fruit outdoors after March 22 in Bradley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 227.0-day growing season in Bradley County is tight for Che Fruit (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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 Bradley County, AR?
Bradley County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bradley County, AR?
Bradley County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 4.
Your Bradley County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Bradley County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.