When to plant Ground Cherry in Rio Blanco County, CO
Plant Ground Cherry in Rio Blanco County, between June 23 and July 7 — the only viable window. Zone 5b's short season (107 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Rio Blanco County, CO
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Rio Blanco County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 2 and the first fall frost is September 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 107 days.
At an elevation of 6,974 feet, Rio Blanco County receives approximately 19 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Ground Cherry successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Rio Blanco County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Rio Blanco County, CO
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 23 | Jun 23 – Jul 7 |
| Harvest | September 1 | Sep 1 – Oct 27 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
107 days in Rio Blanco County
Growing Tips for Rio Blanco 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
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Ground Cherry in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Rio Blanco County, CO?
Rio Blanco County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 2. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rio Blanco County, CO?
Rio Blanco County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 2 and first fall frost is September 17.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Rio Blanco County, CO?
In Rio Blanco County, CO, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around June 2) and before the first frost (around September 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Rio Blanco County, CO for Ground Cherry?
Rio Blanco County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Ground Cherry grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ground Cherry grow in Rio Blanco County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Rio Blanco County's temperate climate. Rio Blanco County averages a 107-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 2 and first frost around September 17.
Your Rio Blanco County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Rio Blanco County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.