When to Plant Che Fruit in Hays County, TX
Your May planting checklist for Hays County, Texas
May is a pivotal month for Hays County, Texas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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.
Hays County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 261 days.
At an elevation of 3,119 feet, Hays County receives approximately 61.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Che Fruit during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Che Fruit, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Che Fruit root diseases.
Hays County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7-8
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 Hays County
How your county's soil matches Che Fruit's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.0–8.0) overlaps with Che Fruit's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Heavy clay soil (45% clay) in Hays County compacts easily and drains slowly. Amend with compost and avoid working soil when wet.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Hays 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 — Hays County, TX
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
261 days in Hays County
Growing Tips for Che Fruit in Hays County
Direct sow Che Fruit outdoors after March 06 in Hays County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Hays County's clay soil (45% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Che Fruit. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your 261.0-day growing season in Hays 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 Hays County, TX?
Hays County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hays County, TX?
Hays County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 22.
Your Hays County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Hays County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.