When to Plant Ground Cherry in Scurry 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.
Scurry County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 3,106 feet, Scurry County receives approximately 45.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Ground Cherry may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Ground Cherry will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Scurry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.2-8.2
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 Scurry County
How your county's soil matches Ground Cherry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.2–8.2) is more alkaline than Ground Cherry prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Scurry County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Ground Cherry will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.1%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Ground Cherry.
How to Plant Ground Cherry
Succession Planting Ground Cherry
Sow every 7.4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 23 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Scurry 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 — Scurry County, TX
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Aug 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Scurry County
Growing Tips for Ground Cherry in Scurry County
Direct sow Ground Cherry outdoors after March 28 in Scurry County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Scurry County dries quickly — mulch Ground Cherry with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 98°F in Scurry 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 Scurry County, TX?
Scurry County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Scurry County, TX?
Scurry County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Scurry County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.