When to plant Ground Cherry in Ontonagon County, MI
Ontonagon County's 129-day season only supports one Ground Cherry planting per year. Sow between June 19 and July 3 for the best chance at full maturity before September 28.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Ontonagon 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.
Ontonagon County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 129 days.
At an elevation of 502 feet, Ontonagon County receives approximately 42 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Ground Cherry to ensure they mature before fall.
Ontonagon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Ontonagon County, MI
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 19 | Jun 19 – Jul 3 |
| Harvest | August 28 | Aug 28 – Oct 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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
129 days in Ontonagon County
Growing Tips for Ontonagon 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 Ontonagon County, MI?
Ontonagon County is in Zone 4b 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 Ontonagon County, MI?
Ontonagon County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 28.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Ontonagon County, MI?
In Ontonagon County, MI, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around May 22) and before the first frost (around September 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ontonagon County, MI for Ground Cherry?
Ontonagon 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 Ontonagon County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Ontonagon County's temperate climate. Ontonagon County averages a 129-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 22 and first frost around September 28.
Your Ontonagon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ontonagon 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.