When to plant Ground Cherry in Randolph County County,
Randolph County County's short 220-day growing season means one Ground Cherry planting between April 17 and May 1. No fall crop in Zone 7b.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Randolph County, AR
This month in Randolph County, Arkansas
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Randolph County, Arkansas this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Basket week: ground cherry
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Randolph County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.
At an elevation of 308 feet, Randolph County receives approximately 52.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°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.
Randolph County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
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 Randolph County
How your county's soil matches Ground Cherry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.7) overlaps with Ground Cherry's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Randolph County is excellent for Ground Cherry — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). 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 14 to harvest before frost.
Ground Cherry Water Budget
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 | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Randolph 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 — Randolph County, AR
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Aug 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
65–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
220 days in Randolph County
Growing Tips for Ground Cherry in Randolph County
Direct sow Ground Cherry outdoors after March 27 in Randolph 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 Randolph County, AR?
Randolph County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Randolph County, AR?
Randolph County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 2.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Randolph County, ?
In Randolph County, , plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around March 27) and before the first frost (around November 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Randolph County, for Ground Cherry?
Randolph 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 Randolph County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Randolph County's temperate climate. Randolph County averages a 220-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 27 and first frost around November 2.
Your Randolph County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Randolph 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.