When to Plant Che Fruit in Delaware County, PA
This month in Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Here's what deserves your attention in Delaware County, Pennsylvania this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Move che fruit into the garden
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
Che fruit (Chinese mulberry) is a small, cold-hardy tree producing round, red fruits with a sweet, watermelon-fig flavor. It is an underutilized fruit tree with great potential.
Delaware County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 1,094 feet, Delaware County receives approximately 38.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Che Fruit during the growing season.
Delaware County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Delaware County
How your county's soil matches Che Fruit's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.2) is more acidic than Che Fruit prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Delaware County is excellent for Che Fruit — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Che Fruit.
How to Plant Che Fruit
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Che Fruit
Che Fruit needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Che Fruit Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Delaware County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Che Fruit Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Che Fruit Planting Timeline — Delaware County, PA
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Delaware County
Growing Tips for Che Fruit in Delaware County
Direct sow Che Fruit outdoors after April 16 in Delaware County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 191.0-day growing season in Delaware County is tight for Che Fruit (1095.0-1825.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Plant in well-drained soil. A male pollinator is needed for seeded fruit, but seedless fruit can set parthenocarpically. Minimal pruning required. Fruits ripen in late summer.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Che Fruit in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Che Fruit in Delaware County, PA?
Delaware County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Delaware County, PA?
Delaware County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 24.
Your Delaware County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Delaware County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.