When to plant Ground Cherry in Crawford County, MI
Crawford County's short 130-day growing season means one Ground Cherry planting between June 12 and June 26. No fall crop in Zone 5a.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Crawford County, MI
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Crawford County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 130 days.
At an elevation of 894 feet, Crawford County receives approximately 34.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Ground Cherry to ensure they mature before fall.
Crawford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Crawford County, MI
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jun 26 |
| Harvest | August 21 | Aug 21 – Oct 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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
130 days in Crawford County
Growing Tips for Crawford 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 Crawford County, MI?
Crawford County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Crawford County, MI?
Crawford County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 29.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Crawford County, MI?
In Crawford County, MI, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around May 22) and before the first frost (around September 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Crawford County, MI for Ground Cherry?
Crawford 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 Crawford County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Crawford County's temperate climate. Crawford County averages a 130-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 22 and first frost around September 29.
Your Crawford County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Crawford 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.