When to plant Ground Cherry in Anderson County, KS
Anderson County's 196-day season only supports one Ground Cherry planting per year. Sow between May 2 and May 16 for the best chance at full maturity before October 24.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Anderson County, KS
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Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Anderson County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.
At an elevation of 466 feet, Anderson County receives approximately 23.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season.
Anderson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.4
Drainage
Well Drained
Ground Cherry Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Anderson County
How your county's soil matches Ground Cherry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.4) is within Ground Cherry's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Anderson County is excellent for Ground Cherry — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.4%) — Ground Cherry will thrive.
How to Plant Ground Cherry
Succession Planting Ground Cherry
Sow every 7.4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 05 to harvest before frost.
Ground Cherry Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Ground Cherry
Ground Cherry needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Ground Cherry Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Anderson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Ground Cherry Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Anderson County, KS
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Harvest | July 11 | Jul 11 – Sep 5 |
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
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
65–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
196 days in Anderson County
Growing Tips for Ground Cherry in Anderson County
Direct sow Ground Cherry outdoors after April 11 in Anderson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Ground Cherry in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Anderson County receives only 23" of rain annually. Ground Cherry needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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 Anderson County, KS?
Anderson County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Anderson County, KS?
Anderson County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Anderson County, KS?
In Anderson County, KS, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Anderson County, KS for Ground Cherry?
Anderson County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Ground Cherry grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ground Cherry grow in Anderson County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Anderson County's temperate climate. Anderson County averages a 196-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 24.
Your Anderson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Anderson County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.