The ground cherry, Physalis pruinosa, is a unique fruit gaining increased attention among home gardeners for its distinct flavor and novelty. This small, golden berry develops inside a papery husk, making it an unusual and rewarding addition to the home garden. Its flavor profile is often described as a sweet, tropical blend.
Identifying Ground Cherries and Popular Varieties
The ground cherry belongs to the Solanaceae family, making it a relative of tomatoes and tomatillos. Its defining feature is the protective, papery husk that encloses the developing fruit. The ripe fruit is a small, yellow-orange berry with a flavor profile that commonly includes notes of pineapple, vanilla, and caramel.
Ground cherries are sprawling, low-growing annual plants that produce an abundant harvest until the first frost. Gardeners often seek heirloom varieties like ‘Aunt Molly’s’, known for its sweet, pineapple-tinged flavor and early maturity. ‘Cossack Pineapple’ is another popular selection valued for its strong pineapple flavor notes.
Where to Purchase Ground Cherry Plants and Seeds
The most common way to begin growing ground cherries is by purchasing seeds, which offers the greatest selection of varieties. Specialized heirloom and rare seed companies are excellent sources for finding specific types like ‘Aunt Molly’s’ or ‘Mary’s Niagara’. Seeds should be ordered online well in advance of the planting season to ensure timely indoor starting.
Established transplants are typically available closer to the last expected frost date at local nurseries and large garden centers. Buying a young plant provides a head start on the growing season, which is beneficial in regions with shorter summers. However, the variety selection at these local outlets is usually limited.
Starting from seed allows for a wider choice of varieties and is more economical. Conversely, buying an established plant bypasses the initial 6 to 10 weeks of indoor care and leads to a faster harvest. Farmers’ markets and local grower events may also offer transplants, which is ideal for beginners or those with limited indoor growing space.
Successful Planting and Care Instructions
Ground cherries must be started indoors approximately 6 to 10 weeks before the average last frost date in your area. The tiny seeds require warmth, ideally between 70°F and 85°F, to germinate reliably, often necessitating the use of a heating mat. Transplanting outdoors should only occur after all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature has begun to warm sufficiently.
These plants thrive in a location that receives full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While ground cherries tolerate a variety of soils, they prefer well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Amending the planting site with compost before transplanting will provide adequate nutrients for the season.
Ground cherry plants have a sprawling habit and should be spaced about 24 inches apart to ensure good air circulation. Consistent watering is necessary, aiming for about an inch of water per week, to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. A light application of a balanced fertilizer mid-season is sufficient, as too much nitrogen encourages leafy growth over fruit production.
The fruits signal their ripeness by dropping naturally to the ground inside their papery husks. The husk will turn from green to a dry, papery tan color, and the berry inside will be a deep golden-yellow and fragrant. Harvesting is simple: collect the dropped husks from the ground, often made easier by using a layer of mulch to keep the fallen fruit clean.