When to Plant Che Fruit in Sterling County, TX
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.
Sterling County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. 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 2,929 feet, Sterling County receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Che Fruit may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Che Fruit will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Che Fruit root diseases.
Sterling County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.4-8.6
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 9.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Sterling County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Che Fruit Planting Timeline — Sterling County, TX
Che Fruit Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
· 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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
1095–1825 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
233 days in Sterling County
Growing Tips for Sterling County
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 Sterling County, TX?
Sterling County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 24. Plan your Che Fruit planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sterling County, TX?
Sterling County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 24 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Sterling County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sterling 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.