Ground cherries (Physalis pruinosa) are often mistaken for tomatillos. These plants yield small, sweet, golden fruits encased in a distinctive papery husk, offering a flavor profile ranging from pineapple to vanilla. Gardeners often wonder if these bushy producers require external support.
The Ground Cherry Growth Habit
The ground cherry plant exhibits a determinate growth pattern, developing into a dense, highly branched shrub. Unlike vining plants, growth focuses on fruit production rather than continuous vertical elongation, causing the plant to sprawl outward.
The mature stems become increasingly brittle, particularly when heavy with developing fruit. This combination of weight and stiffness causes the branches to flop outward, often resting directly on the soil surface. The plant can easily cover an area of three to four square feet by the end of the growing season. This expansive habit is the main reason support is frequently considered.
Support Versus Sprawl
Ground cherries do not strictly require external structures to produce fruit, and if allowed to sprawl naturally, the plant will still yield a full harvest. However, allowing the branches to lie directly on the ground introduces several gardening drawbacks.
One primary benefit of containment is significantly improved air circulation around the dense foliage. Branches lifted off the moist soil dry out faster, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases. Support also results in a cleaner, more accessible harvest. Since the fruit is collected after it naturally drops, finding it under a dense, sprawling canopy and among soil debris becomes challenging.
Keeping the canopy elevated prevents direct contact between the stems and the soil, mitigating the risk of soil-borne pests or contamination. While the husk provides some protection, fruit resting directly on damp ground is more susceptible to damage and decay. Managing the sprawl simplifies garden maintenance and pest monitoring.
Practical Support Options
Since ground cherries are bushy and determinate, the best support methods focus on containment rather than vertical climbing. Tall trellises are unsuitable for their low-growing structure. Support systems should be installed early in the season when the plants are still young transplants.
Tomato Cages
The tomato cage is the most common and simple solution for managing bushy growth. Standard wire cages provide a circular structure that surrounds the plant, catching lateral branches as they spread. These should be pushed deep into the soil for stability, effectively containing the sprawl within a manageable footprint.
Florida Weave
For multiple plants, the Florida Weave technique offers an efficient, linear containment system. This method involves setting sturdy stakes at the ends of the row and weaving twine back and forth to cradle the branches. The goal is to keep the bulk of the foliage suspended above the ground line, not to lift the plant vertically.
Individual Staking
Alternatively, individual staking can be used for smaller plantings or where minimal control is needed. This involves driving short stakes next to the main stems and loosely tying the heaviest branches to the support, preventing them from snapping or touching the soil. Support height typically focuses on a maximum containment height of about 18 to 24 inches.