When to Plant Ground Cherry in Glenn County, CA
Glenn County, California gardeners: here's your May plan
Each item below is timed to Glenn County, California's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Harvest ground cherry as they ripen
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- 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.
Glenn County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.
At an elevation of 270 feet, Glenn County receives approximately 27.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season.
Glenn County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.9
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 Glenn County
How your county's soil matches Ground Cherry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.9) overlaps with Ground Cherry's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Glenn County is excellent for Ground Cherry — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
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 Sep 09 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Glenn 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 — Glenn County, CA
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Harvest | May 29 | May 29 – Jul 24 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
65–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
267 days in Glenn County
Growing Tips for Ground Cherry in Glenn County
Direct sow Ground Cherry outdoors after March 06 in Glenn 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 Glenn County, CA?
Glenn County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Glenn County, CA?
Glenn County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 28.
Your Glenn County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Glenn County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.