When to plant Ground Cherry in Lee County, FL
Plant Ground Cherry in Lee County during the brief February 11–February 25 window. With 326 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before December 19.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Lee County, FL
July in the garden — Lee County, Florida
Welcome to July in Zone 10b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Plan the fall garden
Make a planting map for August. Tomatoes, peppers, brassicas, lettuce, root crops all go in over the next 8 weeks. Soil amendments and irrigation prep happen now.
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Keep heat-survivor crops productive
Daily harvest of okra and southern peas keeps plants producing. Let pods over-mature and the plant stops setting new fruit.
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Watch for hurricane prep season
August-October is hurricane season. Stake young trees, secure rain barrels, and plan how to protect tender transplants from high winds.
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Lee County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 28 and the first fall frost is December 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 325 days.
At an elevation of 408 feet, Lee County receives approximately 61.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 86°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.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.1-5.9
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 Lee County
How your county's soil matches Ground Cherry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–5.9) is more acidic than Ground Cherry prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Lee 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 (1.4%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Ground Cherry.
How to Plant Ground Cherry
Succession Planting Ground Cherry
Sow every 7.4 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 30 to harvest before frost.
Ground Cherry Water Budget
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" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Feb | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Lee 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 — Lee County, FL
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 11 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Harvest | April 22 | Apr 22 – Jun 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| 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 · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
65–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10b
📆 Growing Season
325 days in Lee County
Growing Tips for Ground Cherry in Lee County
Direct sow Ground Cherry outdoors after January 28 in Lee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Lee 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 Lee County, FL?
Lee County is in Zone 10b with an average last frost of January 28. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lee County, FL?
Lee County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 28 and first fall frost is December 19.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Lee County, FL?
In Lee County, FL, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around January 28) and before the first frost (around December 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lee County, FL for Ground Cherry?
Lee County sits in USDA Zone 10b. Ground Cherry grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ground Cherry grow in Lee County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Lee County's temperate climate. Lee County averages a 326-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 28 and first frost around December 19.
Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 10b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.