When to Plant Ground Cherry in Hendry County, FL
May in the garden — Hendry County, Florida
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Hendry County, Florida.
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Collect ground cherry at their peak
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
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.
Hendry County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 14 and the first fall frost is April 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 91 days.
At an elevation of 403 feet, Hendry County receives approximately 55.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season. 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.
Hendry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-5.8
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 Hendry County
How your county's soil matches Ground Cherry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–5.8) is more acidic than Ground Cherry prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Hendry County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Ground Cherry will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Ground Cherry.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Ground Cherry.
How to Plant Ground Cherry
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 9.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Oct in Hendry 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 — Hendry County, FL
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | January 28 | Jan 28 – Feb 11 |
| Harvest | April 8 | Apr 8 – Jun 3 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
65–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10a
📆 Growing Season
91 days in Hendry County
Growing Tips for Ground Cherry in Hendry County
Direct sow Ground Cherry outdoors after January 14 in Hendry County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Hendry County dries quickly — mulch Ground Cherry with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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 Hendry County, FL?
Hendry County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of January 14. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hendry County, FL?
Hendry County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 14 and first fall frost is .
Your Hendry County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Hendry County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.