When to Plant Ground Cherry in Duchesne County, UT
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Duchesne County, Utah is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.
At an elevation of 5,302 feet, Duchesne County receives approximately 13 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Ground Cherry to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Ground Cherry successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Duchesne County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.2
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 | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.2" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Duchesne County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Duchesne County, UT
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 31 | May 31 – Jun 14 |
| Harvest | August 9 | Aug 9 – Oct 4 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
65–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
147 days in Duchesne County
Growing Tips for Duchesne 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Ground Cherry in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Duchesne County, UT?
Duchesne County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Duchesne County, UT?
Duchesne County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 4.
Your Duchesne County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Duchesne County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.