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When to plant Ground Cherry in Flagler County, FL

Flagler County sits in cold Zone 9b. Plant Ground Cherry February 19–March 5 for the single annual harvest; the December 17 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Ground Cherry in Flagler County, FL

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

Flagler County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 5 and the first fall frost is December 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 315 days.

At an elevation of 134 feet, Flagler County receives approximately 54.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Ground Cherry may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Ground Cherry will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Ground Cherry root diseases.

Flagler County, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
315 days
Last Spring Frost February 5
315 growing days
First Fall Frost December 17

Flagler County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Flagler County, FL

Ground Cherry Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 19 Feb 19 – Mar 5
Harvest April 30 Apr 30 – Jun 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Transplant Outdoors
March Transplant Outdoors
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July
August
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 9b

📆 Growing Season

315 days in Flagler County

Growing Tips for Flagler 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 Flagler County, FL?

Flagler County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 5. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Flagler County, FL?

Flagler County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 5 and first fall frost is December 17.

When should I plant Ground Cherry in Flagler County, FL?

In Flagler County, FL, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around February 5) and before the first frost (around December 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Flagler County, FL for Ground Cherry?

Flagler County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Ground Cherry grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Ground Cherry grow in Flagler County's climate?

Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Flagler County's temperate climate. Flagler County averages a 316-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 5 and first frost around December 17.

🌱

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A 22-page printable planner built for Flagler 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.

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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 Flagler County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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