When to Plant Ground Cherry in Washington County, WI
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Washington County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 167 days.
At an elevation of 1,141 feet, Washington County receives approximately 33.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Washington County, WI
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Harvest | July 27 | Jul 27 – Sep 21 |
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 | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
167 days in Washington County
Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, WI?
Washington County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington County, WI?
Washington County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 11.
Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Washington County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.