When to plant Ground Cherry in Adams County, ID
Adams County sits in cold Zone 6a. Plant Ground Cherry June 10–June 24 for the single annual harvest; the September 25 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Adams County, ID
Your June game plan for Adams County, Idaho
Each item below is timed to Adams County, Idaho's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Adams County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 128 days.
At an elevation of 6,593 feet, Adams County receives approximately 20.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season.
Adams County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-8
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 Adams County
How your county's soil matches Ground Cherry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–8.0) overlaps with Ground Cherry's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Adams County is excellent for Ground Cherry — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Ground Cherry.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Ground Cherry.
How to Plant Ground Cherry
Succession Planting Ground Cherry
Sow every 7.4 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 07 to harvest before frost.
Ground Cherry Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Adams 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 — Adams County, ID
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 10 | Jun 10 – Jun 24 |
| Harvest | August 19 | Aug 19 – Oct 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
65–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
128 days in Adams County
Growing Tips for Ground Cherry in Adams County
Direct sow Ground Cherry outdoors after May 20 in Adams County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Ground Cherry in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Adams County receives only 21" of rain annually. Ground Cherry needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Adams County, ID?
Adams County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Adams County, ID?
Adams County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 25.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Adams County, ID?
In Adams County, ID, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around May 20) and before the first frost (around September 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Adams County, ID for Ground Cherry?
Adams County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Ground Cherry grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ground Cherry grow in Adams County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Adams County's temperate climate. Adams County averages a 128-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 20 and first frost around September 25.
Your Adams County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Adams County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.