When to plant Ground Cherry in Worth County, IA
Worth County's short 160-day growing season means one Ground Cherry planting between May 21 and June 4. No fall crop in Zone 5a.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Worth 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.
Worth County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.
At an elevation of 886 feet, Worth County receives approximately 39.8 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.
Worth County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Worth County, IA
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Harvest | July 30 | Jul 30 – Sep 24 |
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
160 days in Worth County
Growing Tips for Worth 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 Worth County, IA?
Worth County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Worth County, IA?
Worth County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Worth County, IA?
In Worth County, IA, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Worth County, IA for Ground Cherry?
Worth 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 Worth County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Worth County's temperate climate. Worth County averages a 160-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 7.
Your Worth County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Worth 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.