When to Plant Ground Cherry in Duval County, TX
This month in Duval County, Texas
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Duval County, Texas this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Start harvesting ground cherry
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Get ahead of June
- First harvests: ground cherry
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Duval County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 299 days.
At an elevation of 4,259 feet, Duval County receives approximately 55.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Ground Cherry may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Ground Cherry root diseases.
Duval County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.3
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 Duval County
How your county's soil matches Ground Cherry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.3) is within Ground Cherry's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Duval County is excellent for Ground Cherry — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Ground Cherry.
How to Plant Ground Cherry
Succession Planting Ground Cherry
Sow every 7.4 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 20 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Duval County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Ground Cherry 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.
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Duval County, TX
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Harvest | May 8 | May 8 – Jul 3 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
65–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
299 days in Duval County
Growing Tips for Ground Cherry in Duval County
Direct sow Ground Cherry outdoors after February 13 in Duval County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 102°F in Duval County, provide afternoon shade for Ground Cherry and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Ground Cherry in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Duval County, TX?
Duval County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Duval County, TX?
Duval County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 9.
Your Duval County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Duval County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.