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When to plant Ground Cherry in Yell County, AR

Yell County's 225-day season only supports one Ground Cherry planting per year. Sow between April 16 and April 30 for the best chance at full maturity before November 6.

When to Plant Ground Cherry in Yell County, AR

Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.

Yell County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 225 days.

At an elevation of 1,105 feet, Yell County receives approximately 52 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°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.

Yell County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
225 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
225 growing days
First Fall Frost November 6

Yell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-7

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 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Yell County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Yell County, AR

Ground Cherry Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 – Apr 30
Harvest June 25 Jun 25 – Aug 20

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Transplant Outdoors
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

225 days in Yell County

Growing Tips for Yell 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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Ground Cherry in Yell County, AR?

Yell County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Yell County, AR?

Yell County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 6.

When should I plant Ground Cherry in Yell County, AR?

In Yell County, AR, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around March 26) and before the first frost (around November 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Yell County, AR for Ground Cherry?

Yell County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Ground Cherry grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Ground Cherry grow in Yell County's climate?

Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Yell County's temperate climate. Yell County averages a 225-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 26 and first frost around November 6.

🌱

Your Yell County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Yell 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Yell County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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