When to plant Ground Cherry in Union County, IA
Plant Ground Cherry in Union County, between May 14 and May 28 — the only viable window. Zone 5b's short season (171 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Union 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.
Union County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 1,311 feet, Union County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Ground Cherry to ensure they mature before fall.
Union County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Union County, IA
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Sep 17 |
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
171 days in Union County
Growing Tips for Union 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 Union County, IA?
Union County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Union County, IA?
Union County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 11.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Union County, IA?
In Union County, IA, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Union County, IA for Ground Cherry?
Union 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 Union County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Union County's temperate climate. Union County averages a 171-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 11.
Your Union County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Union 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.