When to Plant Che Fruit in Runnels County, TX
This month in Runnels County, Texas
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Runnels County, Texas.
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.
Runnels County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 241 days.
At an elevation of 4,833 feet, Runnels County receives approximately 47.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Che Fruit during the growing season.
Runnels County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.1
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 Runnels County
How your county's soil matches Che Fruit's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.1) is within Che Fruit's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Runnels County is excellent for Che Fruit — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (2.0%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Runnels 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 — Runnels County, TX
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
· 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
241 days in Runnels County
Growing Tips for Che Fruit in Runnels County
Direct sow Che Fruit outdoors after March 19 in Runnels County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 241.0-day growing season in Runnels 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 Runnels County, TX?
Runnels County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Runnels County, TX?
Runnels County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 15.
Your Runnels County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Runnels County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.