When to Plant Che Fruit in McLennan County, TX
What to do in May
Here's what deserves your attention in McLennan County, Texas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 8b and timed around your local frost dates.
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.
McLennan County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 245 days.
At an elevation of 1,643 feet, McLennan County receives approximately 66 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 91°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.
McLennan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
6.9-7.9
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 McLennan County
How your county's soil matches Che Fruit's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.9–7.9) overlaps with Che Fruit's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Your clay soil in McLennan County is workable for Che Fruit. Add compost annually to improve structure.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). 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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 10.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in McLennan 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 — McLennan County, TX
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
· 120" apart · Rows 144" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
245 days in McLennan County
Growing Tips for Che Fruit in McLennan County
Direct sow Che Fruit outdoors after March 14 in McLennan County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With McLennan County's clay soil (36% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Che Fruit. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Your 245.0-day growing season in McLennan 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 McLennan County, TX?
McLennan County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McLennan County, TX?
McLennan County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 14.
Your McLennan County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for McLennan County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.