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When to Plant Ground Cherry in Knox County, TX

Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.

Knox County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 233 days.

At an elevation of 1,847 feet, Knox County receives approximately 51.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 93Β°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Ground Cherry root diseases.

Knox County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
233 days
Last Spring Frost March 24
233 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Knox County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

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 β€” 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 6.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 6.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 7.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.3" 1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec β€” 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Knox County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Ground Cherry Planting Timeline β€” Knox County, TX

Ground Cherry Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 14 Apr 14 – Apr 28
Harvest June 23 Jun 23 – Aug 18

Plant 1" deep Β· 15" apart Β· Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February β€”
March β€”
April Transplant Outdoors
May β€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September β€”
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

65–80 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

πŸ“† Growing Season

233 days in Knox County

Growing Tips for Knox 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

  • Fennel

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Ground Cherry in Knox County, TX?

Knox County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 24. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Knox County, TX?

Knox County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 24 and first fall frost is November 12.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Knox County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Knox County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.