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When to plant Ground Cherry in Crow Wing County, MN

Crow Wing County's short 151-day growing season means one Ground Cherry planting between June 2 and June 16. No fall crop in Zone 4a.

When to Plant Ground Cherry in Crow Wing County, MN

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

Crow Wing County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.

At an elevation of 783 feet, Crow Wing County receives approximately 33.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Ground Cherry to ensure they mature before fall.

Crow Wing County, MN (Zone 4a) Moderate season
151 days
Last Spring Frost May 5
151 growing days
First Fall Frost October 3

Crow Wing County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-6.7

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Crow Wing County, MN

Ground Cherry Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors June 2 Jun 2 – Jun 16
Harvest August 11 Aug 11 – Oct 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 4a

📆 Growing Season

151 days in Crow Wing County

Growing Tips for Crow Wing 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 Crow Wing County, MN?

Crow Wing County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Crow Wing County, MN?

Crow Wing County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 3.

When should I plant Ground Cherry in Crow Wing County, MN?

In Crow Wing County, MN, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around May 5) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Crow Wing County, MN for Ground Cherry?

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

Can Ground Cherry grow in Crow Wing County's climate?

Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Crow Wing County's temperate climate. Crow Wing County averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 5 and first frost around October 3.

🌱

Your Crow Wing County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Crow Wing County (Zone 4a). 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 Crow Wing County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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