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When to plant Ground Cherry in Boundary County, ID

Plant Ground Cherry in Boundary County during the brief May 31–June 14 window. With 135 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before September 22.

When to Plant Ground Cherry in Boundary County, ID

Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.

Boundary County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.

At an elevation of 5,105 feet, Boundary County receives approximately 21.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season.

Boundary County, ID (Zone 6a) Short season
135 days
Last Spring Frost May 10
135 growing days
First Fall Frost September 22

Boundary County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Boundary County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Boundary County, ID

Ground Cherry Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 31 May 31 – Jun 14
Harvest August 9 Aug 9 – Oct 4

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
July
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

135 days in Boundary County

Growing Tips for Boundary 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 Boundary County, ID?

Boundary County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Boundary County, ID?

Boundary County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 22.

When should I plant Ground Cherry in Boundary County, ID?

In Boundary County, ID, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around September 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Boundary County, ID for Ground Cherry?

Boundary 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 Boundary County's climate?

Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Boundary County's temperate climate. Boundary County averages a 135-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around September 22.

🌱

Your Boundary County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Boundary 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.

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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 Boundary County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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