When to plant Ground Cherry in Dickinson County, MI
Dickinson County sits in cold Zone 4b. Plant Ground Cherry June 9–June 23 for the single annual harvest; the October 9 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Dickinson 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.
Dickinson County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.
At an elevation of 892 feet, Dickinson County receives approximately 32.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Ground Cherry to ensure they mature before fall.
Dickinson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.3
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Dickinson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Dickinson County, MI
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jun 23 |
| Harvest | August 18 | Aug 18 – Oct 13 |
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 4b
📆 Growing Season
150 days in Dickinson County
Growing Tips for Dickinson 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 Dickinson County, MI?
Dickinson County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dickinson County, MI?
Dickinson County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 9.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Dickinson County, MI?
In Dickinson County, MI, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around May 12) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dickinson County, MI for Ground Cherry?
Dickinson County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Ground Cherry grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ground Cherry grow in Dickinson County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Dickinson County's temperate climate. Dickinson County averages a 150-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 12 and first frost around October 9.
Your Dickinson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dickinson County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.