When to plant Ground Cherry in Kankakee County, IL
Plant Ground Cherry in Kankakee County during the brief May 11–May 25 window. With 177 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 14.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Kankakee County, IL
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Kankakee County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 1,113 feet, Kankakee County receives approximately 33.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season.
Kankakee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Kankakee County, IL
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Harvest | July 20 | Jul 20 – Sep 14 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Kankakee County
Growing Tips for Kankakee 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
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Ground Cherry in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Kankakee County, IL?
Kankakee County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kankakee County, IL?
Kankakee County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 14.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Kankakee County, IL?
In Kankakee County, IL, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Kankakee County, IL for Ground Cherry?
Kankakee County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Ground Cherry grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ground Cherry grow in Kankakee County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Kankakee County's temperate climate. Kankakee County averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 14.
Your Kankakee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Kankakee County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.