When to Plant Che Fruit in Jefferson County, ID
This month in Jefferson County, Idaho
Here's what deserves your attention in Jefferson County, Idaho this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 5a and timed around your local frost dates.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- Transplants going out: che fruit
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.
Jefferson County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 122 days.
At an elevation of 5,094 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 18 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Che Fruit during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Che Fruit successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Jefferson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.8
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 Jefferson County
How your county's soil matches Che Fruit's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.8) overlaps with Che Fruit's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Jefferson County is excellent for Che Fruit — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Che Fruit.
How to Plant Che Fruit
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Jefferson 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 — Jefferson County, ID
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jun 26 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
122 days in Jefferson County
Growing Tips for Che Fruit in Jefferson County
Direct sow Che Fruit outdoors after May 22 in Jefferson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 122.0-day growing season in Jefferson County is tight for Che Fruit (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Jefferson County receives only 18" 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 Jefferson County, ID?
Jefferson County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jefferson County, ID?
Jefferson County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 21.
Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Jefferson County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.