When to plant Ground Cherry in Benton County, IA
Plant Ground Cherry in Benton County during the brief May 19–June 2 window. With 164 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 9.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Benton County, IA
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Benton County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 1,230 feet, Benton County receives approximately 36 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season.
Benton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Benton County, IA
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 2 |
| Harvest | July 28 | Jul 28 – Sep 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
164 days in Benton County
Growing Tips for Benton 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Ground Cherry in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Benton County, IA?
Benton County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benton County, IA?
Benton County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 9.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Benton County, IA?
In Benton County, IA, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Benton County, IA for Ground Cherry?
Benton County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Ground Cherry grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ground Cherry grow in Benton County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Benton County's temperate climate. Benton County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 9.
Your Benton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Benton 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.