When to plant Ground Cherry in DeKalb County, MO
In DeKalb County, Ground Cherry is a spring-only crop. Plant May 5–May 19 once soil hits 50°F.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in DeKalb County, MO
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
DeKalb County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 917 feet, DeKalb County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season.
DeKalb County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — DeKalb County, MO
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Sep 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
187 days in DeKalb County
Growing Tips for DeKalb 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
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Ground Cherry in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Ground Cherry in DeKalb County, MO?
DeKalb County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is DeKalb County, MO?
DeKalb County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 18.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in DeKalb County, MO?
In DeKalb County, MO, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is DeKalb County, MO for Ground Cherry?
DeKalb County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Ground Cherry grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ground Cherry grow in DeKalb County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in DeKalb County's temperate climate. DeKalb County averages a 187-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 18.
Your DeKalb County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for DeKalb County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.