When to Plant Che Fruit in Will County, IL
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.
Will County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 655 feet, Will County receives approximately 41.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Che Fruit to ensure they mature before fall.
Will County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Che Fruit Planting Timeline — Will County, IL
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Will County
Growing Tips for Will County
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 Will County, IL?
Will County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Will County, IL?
Will County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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