When to plant Che Fruit in Elmore County County,
Elmore County County sits in cold Zone 7a. Plant Che Fruit May 18–June 1 for the single annual harvest; the October 14 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Che Fruit in Elmore County, ID
Your June planting checklist for Elmore County, Idaho
June is a pivotal month for Elmore County, Idaho gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
Che fruit (Chinese mulberry) is a small, cold-hardy tree producing round, red fruits with a sweet, watermelon-fig flavor. It is an underutilized fruit tree with great potential.
Elmore County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 5,944 feet, Elmore County receives approximately 20.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Che Fruit during the growing season.
Elmore County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Che Fruit 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 Elmore County
How your county's soil matches Che Fruit's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.3) overlaps with Che Fruit's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Elmore County is excellent for Che Fruit — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Che Fruit.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Che Fruit.
How to Plant Che Fruit
Che Fruit Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Che Fruit
Che Fruit needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Che Fruit Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Elmore County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Che Fruit 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.
Che Fruit Planting Timeline — Elmore County, ID
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Elmore County
Growing Tips for Che Fruit in Elmore County
Direct sow Che Fruit outdoors after April 27 in Elmore County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 170.0-day growing season in Elmore County is tight for Che Fruit (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Elmore County receives only 20" of rain annually. Che Fruit needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
Plant in well-drained soil. A male pollinator is needed for seeded fruit, but seedless fruit can set parthenocarpically. Minimal pruning required. Fruits ripen in late summer.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Che Fruit in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Che Fruit in Elmore County, ID?
Elmore County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Elmore County, ID?
Elmore County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 14.
When should I plant Che Fruit in Elmore County County, ?
In Elmore County County, , plant Che Fruit after the last frost (around April 27) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Elmore County County, for Che Fruit?
Elmore County County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Che Fruit grows reliably in zones 5a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Che Fruit grow in Elmore County County's climate?
Yes — Che Fruit grows well in Elmore County County's temperate climate. Elmore County County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 27 and first frost around October 14.
Your Elmore County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Elmore County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.