When to Plant Ground Cherry in Kauai County, HI
Your April planting checklist for Kauai County, Hawaii
Here's what deserves your attention in Kauai County, Hawaii this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 11a and timed around your local frost dates.
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Kauai County, Hawaii is in USDA Zone 11a. 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 577 feet, Kauai County receives approximately 89.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silty clay soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Ground Cherry, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Ground Cherry root diseases.
Kauai County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silty Clay
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
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 Kauai County
How your county's soil matches Ground Cherry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.7) overlaps with Ground Cherry's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Your silty clay soil in Kauai County is workable for Ground Cherry. Add compost annually to improve structure.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Ground Cherry will thrive.
How to Plant Ground Cherry
Plant 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" | 12.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Feb | 4.3" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 4.3" | 10.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 9.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 4.3" | 13.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Kauai 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 — Kauai County, HI
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
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
65–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 11a
📆 Growing Season
364 days in Kauai County
Growing Tips for Ground Cherry in Kauai County
With Kauai County's clay soil (31% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Ground Cherry. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Kauai County, HI?
Kauai County is in Zone 11a 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 Kauai County, HI?
Kauai County, Hawaii is in USDA Hardiness Zone 11a. The average last spring frost is January 1 and first fall frost is December 31.
Your Kauai County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Kauai County (Zone 11a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.