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When to plant Ground Cherry in Palm Beach County, FL

In Palm Beach County, Ground Cherry is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant January 15–January 29 for an 65–80-day harvest, finishing well before the December 31 first frost.

When to Plant Ground Cherry in Palm Beach 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.

Palm Beach County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 1 and the first fall frost is December 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 364 days.

At an elevation of 355 feet, Palm Beach County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 93°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.

Palm Beach County, FL (Zone 10b) Year-round
365 days
Last Spring Frost No frost
365 growing days
First Fall Frost No frost

Palm Beach County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Palm Beach County, FL

Ground Cherry Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors January 15 Jan 15 – Jan 29
Harvest March 26 Mar 26 – May 21

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Transplant Outdoors
February
March Harvest
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
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 10b

📆 Growing Season

365 days in Palm Beach County

Growing Tips for Palm Beach 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 Palm Beach County, FL?

Palm Beach County is in Zone 10b with an average last frost of January 1. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Palm Beach County, FL?

Palm Beach County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10b. The average last spring frost is January 1 and first fall frost is December 31.

When should I plant Ground Cherry in Palm Beach County, FL?

In Palm Beach County, FL, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around January 1) and before the first frost (around December 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Palm Beach County, FL for Ground Cherry?

Palm Beach 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 Palm Beach County's climate?

Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Palm Beach County's temperate climate. Palm Beach County averages a 365-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 1 and first frost around December 31.

🌱

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A 22-page printable planner built for Palm Beach 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.

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

Sources & credits

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