When to plant Ground Cherry in Winnebago County, IA
Winnebago County sits in cold Zone 5a. Plant Ground Cherry May 19–June 2 for the single annual harvest; the October 6 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Winnebago 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.
Winnebago County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.
At an elevation of 520 feet, Winnebago County receives approximately 32.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Ground Cherry to ensure they mature before fall.
Winnebago County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Winnebago 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
161 days in Winnebago County
Growing Tips for Winnebago 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 Winnebago County, IA?
Winnebago 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 Winnebago County, IA?
Winnebago County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Winnebago County, IA?
In Winnebago County, IA, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Winnebago County, IA for Ground Cherry?
Winnebago 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 Winnebago County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Winnebago County's temperate climate. Winnebago County averages a 161-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 6.
Your Winnebago County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Winnebago 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.