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When to plant Ground Cherry in Wolfe County, KY

Wolfe County sits in cold Zone 7a. Plant Ground Cherry May 9–May 23 for the single annual harvest; the October 21 first frost closes the window.

When to Plant Ground Cherry in Wolfe County, KY

Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.

Wolfe County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.

At an elevation of 1,977 feet, Wolfe County receives approximately 49.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season.

Wolfe County, KY (Zone 7a) Moderate season
186 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
186 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Wolfe County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

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 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Wolfe County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Wolfe County, KY

Ground Cherry Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 9 May 9 – May 23
Harvest July 18 Jul 18 – Sep 12

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

186 days in Wolfe County

Growing Tips for Wolfe 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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Ground Cherry in Wolfe County, KY?

Wolfe County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wolfe County, KY?

Wolfe County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Ground Cherry in Wolfe County, KY?

In Wolfe County, KY, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Wolfe County, KY for Ground Cherry?

Wolfe County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Ground Cherry grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Ground Cherry grow in Wolfe County's climate?

Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Wolfe County's temperate climate. Wolfe County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 21.

🌱

Your Wolfe County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Wolfe 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Wolfe County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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