When to plant Ground Cherry in Polk County, MO
Plant Ground Cherry in Polk County during the brief May 1–May 15 window. With 195 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 22.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Polk 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.
Polk County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.
At an elevation of 1,363 feet, Polk County receives approximately 31.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season.
Polk County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Polk County, MO
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Harvest | July 10 | Jul 10 – Sep 4 |
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 6b
📆 Growing Season
195 days in Polk County
Growing Tips for Polk 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 Polk County, MO?
Polk County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Polk County, MO?
Polk County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 22.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Polk County, MO?
In Polk County, MO, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Polk County, MO for Ground Cherry?
Polk County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Ground Cherry grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ground Cherry grow in Polk County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Polk County's temperate climate. Polk County averages a 195-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 22.
Your Polk County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Polk County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.