When to Plant Ground Cherry in Calcasieu Parish, LA
May to-do list for Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana
Your Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Harvest ground cherry as they ripen
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Looking ahead to June
- First harvests: ground cherry
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 297 days.
At an elevation of 77 feet, Calcasieu Parish receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Ground Cherry may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Ground Cherry will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Ground Cherry root diseases.
Calcasieu Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Calcasieu Parish
How your county's soil matches Ground Cherry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.3) is more acidic than Ground Cherry prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Calcasieu Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Ground Cherry will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Ground Cherry.
How to Plant Ground Cherry
Succession Planting Ground Cherry
Sow every 7.4 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 18 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Calcasieu Parish). 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 — Calcasieu Parish, LA
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Harvest | May 8 | May 8 – Jul 3 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
65–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
297 days in Calcasieu Parish
Growing Tips for Ground Cherry in Calcasieu Parish
Direct sow Ground Cherry outdoors after February 13 in Calcasieu Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Calcasieu Parish dries quickly — mulch Ground Cherry with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 98°F in Calcasieu Parish, provide afternoon shade for Ground Cherry and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Ground Cherry in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
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
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Ground Cherry in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Calcasieu Parish, LA?
Calcasieu Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Calcasieu Parish, LA?
Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 7.
Your Calcasieu Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Calcasieu Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.