When to plant Che Fruit in Sumner County, KS
In Sumner County, Che Fruit is a spring-only crop. Plant May 2–May 16 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Che Fruit in Sumner County, KS
Che fruit (Chinese mulberry) is a small, cold-hardy tree producing round, red fruits with a sweet, watermelon-fig flavor. It is an underutilized fruit tree with great potential.
Sumner County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 637 feet, Sumner County receives approximately 29 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Che Fruit during the growing season.
Sumner County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Che Fruit
Che Fruit needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Che Fruit Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sumner County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Che Fruit Planting Timeline — Sumner County, KS
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Sumner County
Growing Tips for Sumner County
Plant in well-drained soil. A male pollinator is needed for seeded fruit, but seedless fruit can set parthenocarpically. Minimal pruning required. Fruits ripen in late summer.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Che Fruit in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Che Fruit in Sumner County, KS?
Sumner County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sumner County, KS?
Sumner County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Che Fruit in Sumner County, KS?
In Sumner County, KS, plant Che Fruit after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sumner County, KS for Che Fruit?
Sumner County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Che Fruit grows reliably in zones 5a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Che Fruit grow in Sumner County's climate?
Yes — Che Fruit grows well in Sumner County's temperate climate. Sumner County averages a 198-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 26.
Your Sumner County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sumner County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.