When to plant Ground Cherry in Yuma County, CO
Plant Ground Cherry in Yuma County, between June 1 and June 15 — the only viable window. Zone 5b's short season (147 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Yuma County, CO
July to-do list for Yuma County, Colorado
Your garden in Yuma County, Colorado is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Yuma County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.
At an elevation of 7,664 feet, Yuma County receives approximately 20.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season.
Yuma County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.9
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 Yuma County
How your county's soil matches Ground Cherry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.9) overlaps with Ground Cherry's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Yuma County is excellent for Ground Cherry — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Ground Cherry.
How to Plant Ground Cherry
Succession Planting Ground Cherry
Sow every 7.4 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 17 to harvest before frost.
Ground Cherry Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Yuma 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 — Yuma County, CO
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jun 15 |
| Harvest | August 10 | Aug 10 – Oct 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
147 days in Yuma County
Growing Tips for Ground Cherry in Yuma County
Direct sow Ground Cherry outdoors after May 11 in Yuma 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.
Yuma County receives only 20" of rain annually. Ground Cherry needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Yuma County, CO?
Yuma County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Yuma County, CO?
Yuma County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 5.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Yuma County, CO?
In Yuma County, CO, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around October 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Yuma County, CO for Ground Cherry?
Yuma 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 Yuma County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Yuma County's temperate climate. Yuma County averages a 147-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around October 5.
Your Yuma County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Yuma 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.