When to Plant Ground Cherry in Clay County, NE
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Clay County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 175 days.
At an elevation of 967 feet, Clay County receives approximately 27.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season.
Clay County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Clay County, NE
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 22 | Jul 22 – Sep 16 |
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
175 days in Clay County
Growing Tips for Clay 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 Clay County, NE?
Clay County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clay County, NE?
Clay County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 14.
Your Clay County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Clay 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.