Blog

When to plant Ground Cherry in Power County, ID

Plant Ground Cherry in Power County during the brief June 1–June 15 window. With 142 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before September 30.

When to Plant Ground Cherry in Power 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.

Power County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.

At an elevation of 6,609 feet, Power County receives approximately 14 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Ground Cherry successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Power County, ID (Zone 6a) Short season
142 days
Last Spring Frost May 11
142 growing days
First Fall Frost September 30

Power County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-8.2

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" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.9" 3.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Power County, ID

Ground Cherry Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 1 Jun 1 – Jun 15
Harvest August 10 Aug 10 – Oct 5

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

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

142 days in Power County

Growing Tips for Power 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 Power County, ID?

Power County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Power County, ID?

Power County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 30.

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

In Power County, ID, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around September 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

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

Power 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 Power County's climate?

Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Power County's temperate climate. Power County averages a 142-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around September 30.

🌱

Your Power County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Power 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Power County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.