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When to plant Che Fruit in Indian River County, FL

Plant Che Fruit in Indian River County, between February 9 and February 23 — the only viable window. Zone 10a's short season (329 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.

When to Plant Che Fruit in Indian River County, FL

Che fruit (Chinese mulberry) is a small, cold-hardy tree producing round, red fruits with a sweet, watermelon-fig flavor. It is an underutilized fruit tree with great potential.

Indian River County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 26 and the first fall frost is December 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 328 days.

At an elevation of 317 feet, Indian River County receives approximately 52.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Che Fruit may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Che Fruit will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Che Fruit root diseases.

Indian River County, FL (Zone 10a) Year-round
328 days
Last Spring Frost January 26
328 growing days
First Fall Frost December 20

Indian River County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.2-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Che Fruit

Che Fruit needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Che Fruit Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Feb 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Indian River County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Che Fruit Planting Timeline — Indian River County, FL

Che Fruit Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 9 Feb 9 – Feb 23

· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Transplant Outdoors
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

1095–1825 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 10a

📆 Growing Season

328 days in Indian River County

Growing Tips for Indian River County

Plant in well-drained soil. A male pollinator is needed for seeded fruit, but seedless fruit can set parthenocarpically. Minimal pruning required. Fruits ripen in late summer.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Che Fruit in Indian River County, FL?

Indian River County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of January 26. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Indian River County, FL?

Indian River County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 26 and first fall frost is December 20.

When should I plant Che Fruit in Indian River County, FL?

In Indian River County, FL, plant Che Fruit after the last frost (around January 26) and before the first frost (around December 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Indian River County, FL for Che Fruit?

Indian River County sits in USDA Zone 10a. Che Fruit grows reliably in zones 5a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Che Fruit grow in Indian River County's climate?

Yes — Che Fruit grows well in Indian River County's temperate climate. Indian River County averages a 329-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 26 and first frost around December 20.

🌱

Your Indian River County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Indian River 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.

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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 Indian River County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.