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When to plant Ground Cherry in Wakulla County, FL

In Wakulla County, Ground Cherry is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant March 27–April 10 for an 65–80-day harvest, finishing well before the November 22 first frost.

When to Plant Ground Cherry in Wakulla 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.

Wakulla County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 254 days.

At an elevation of 375 feet, Wakulla County receives approximately 48.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 95°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.

Wakulla County, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
254 days
Last Spring Frost March 13
254 growing days
First Fall Frost November 22

Wakulla County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Wakulla County, FL

Ground Cherry Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 27 Mar 27 – Apr 10
Harvest June 5 Jun 5 – Jul 31

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

📆 Growing Season

254 days in Wakulla County

Growing Tips for Wakulla 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 Wakulla County, FL?

Wakulla County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wakulla County, FL?

Wakulla County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 22.

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

In Wakulla County, FL, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around March 13) and before the first frost (around November 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

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

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

Can Ground Cherry grow in Wakulla County's climate?

Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Wakulla County's temperate climate. Wakulla County averages a 254-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 13 and first frost around November 22.

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A 22-page printable planner built for Wakulla County (Zone 9a). 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 Wakulla County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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