How to Grow and Care Ground Cherries

In the spring, plant ground cherries. They grow quickly as annuals and complete their life cycle in a single season. Before planting, keep in mind that all parts of ground cherry plants, except the fruit, are toxic to humans and animals.

Growing ground cherries can be a delightful addition to your gardening repertoire, offering a unique and flavorful fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, in jams, pies, and other culinary creations. With the right care and attention, you can savor the sweet rewards of your ground cherry harvest throughout the growing season [1].

Bloom Time	Summer
Family	Solanaceae
Botanical Name	Physalis pruinosa
Soil Type	Loamy, sandy, well-drained
Common Name	Ground cherry, husk tomato, strawberry tomato
Sun Exposure	Full sun
Native Area	Central America
Plant Type	Annual, fruit, shrub
Soil pH	Acidic
Hardiness Zones	4–8 (USDA)
Mature Size	1–3 ft. tall and wide

• Aunt Molly's Ground Cherry: This is a popular variety of ground cherry. It is known for its large fruit size and high yield, as well as its sweet and tangy flavor.

• Cossack Pineapple Ground Cherry: This ground cherry has a distinct pineapple flavor and is well-known for its large, flavorful fruit.

• Goldie Ground Cherry: With a sweet and fruity flavor, this variety is known for its high yield and disease resistance.

• Poha Berry: This Hawaiian ground cherry has a tropical flavor. It's commonly found in jams and sauces.

• Purple Ground Cherry: This variety is known for its purple fruit and foliage and has a slightly tart flavor.

• Strawberry Ground Cherry: This ground cherry has a sweet, strawberry-like flavor and is well-known for its distinct flavor.

Ground cherries are a delicious and easy-to-grow fruit that can be eaten fresh, cooked, or preserved. They are also known as husk cherries, cape gooseberries, or physalis, and they belong to the same family as tomatoes and tomatillos. Ground cherries have a sweet and tangy flavor that resembles a mix of pineapple, strawberry, and citrus. They grow inside papery husks that turn brown and dry when the fruit is ripe. Here are some tips on how to grow ground cherries in your garden.

Soil

Ground cherries prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. They can tolerate some drought, but they will produce better if the soil is kept moist. You can improve the soil quality by adding organic matter [2], such as compost or manure, before planting. Ground cherries can be grown in containers, raised beds, or in-ground gardens, as long as they have enough space and sunlight.

Water

Water your ground cherries regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. They need about an inch of water per week, depending on the soil and climate conditions. You can use a soaker hose or a drip irrigation system to water them deeply and evenly, without wetting the foliage or the fruits. Avoid overhead watering, as it can increase the risk of fungal diseases. Mulch your plants with straw, wood chips, or grass clippings to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Temperature and Humidity

Ground cherries are warm-season crops that need full sun and warm temperatures to thrive. They are frost-sensitive, so you should start them indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Transplant them outside when the soil temperature is above 60°F and the danger of frost has passed. You can use row covers or cloches to protect them from cold snaps or pests. Ground cherries can tolerate high humidity, but they may suffer from fungal diseases if the air circulation is poor. Space your plants about 2 to 3 feet apart for good airflow.

Fertilizer

Ground cherries are not heavy feeders, but they will benefit from some fertilizer during the growing season. You can apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, at planting time and again when the plants start flowering. Alternatively, you can use an organic fertilizer every two weeks, such as fish emulsion or compost tea. Do not over-fertilize your plants, as this can cause excessive leaf growth and reduce fruit production.

Light

Ground cherries need full sun exposure for at least six hours a day. They can tolerate some shade, but this will reduce their fruit production. Choose a sunny spot in your garden or use a large container with drainage holes if you want to grow them in a patio or balcony.

Hey there, gardeners! Today I'm going to share with you a fun and easy way to grow ground cherries in pots. Ground cherries are delicious fruits that look like tiny yellow tomatoes and taste like a cross between pineapple and vanilla. They are great for making jams, pies, salads, or just snacking on. Here's what you need to do to grow your own ground cherries in pots:

• Choose a sunny spot for your pots. Ground cherries love full sun and warm temperatures, so make sure they get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.

• Pick a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter and has drainage holes. Fill it with good quality potting soil that is rich in organic matter and well-draining. You can also add some compost or fertilizer to boost the soil's fertility.

• Plant one ground cherry seedling per pot, about 4 inches deep. You can start your own seedlings indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost date, or buy them from a nursery. Water the seedling well after planting and keep the soil moist but not soggy.

• Stake or cage your ground cherry plants as they grow. Ground cherries have sprawling stems that can reach up to 3 feet long, so they need some support to keep them upright and prevent them from tangling with each other. You can use bamboo stakes, tomato cages, or trellises to support your plants.

• Harvest your ground cherries when they fall off the plant. Ground cherries are ready to pick when they drop from the stem and turn from green to yellow. They have a thin papery husk that protects them from pests and diseases, so you don't have to worry about them rotting on the ground. Just collect them in a basket or a bowl and enjoy!

If you love sweet and tangy fruits, you might want to try growing ground cherries from seed. Ground cherries are small, yellow fruits that look like mini tomatoes and have a husk around them. They are also known as husk cherries, cape gooseberries, or physalis. Here are some tips on how to grow ground cherries from seed in your garden or containers.

• Start your seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. You can use peat pots or seed trays filled with moist potting mix. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and keep them in a warm and sunny spot. The seeds should germinate in 7 to 14 days.

• Transplant your seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Space the plants about 18 to 24 inches apart and water them well. You can also grow ground cherries in large pots or hanging baskets.

• Fertilize your plants once a month with a balanced organic fertilizer. You can also add some compost or mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

• Harvest your ground cherries when they fall off the plant and the husks turn brown and papery. You can store them in their husks for several weeks in a cool and dry place. To eat them, peel off the husks and enjoy them fresh or cooked. You can make jams, pies, sauces, or salads with ground cherries. They are also delicious as a snack or a topping for ice cream or yogurt.

Ground cherries are small fruits that grow inside a papery husk and have a sweet-tart flavor. They are easy to grow in containers and have few pest and disease problems. Here are some steps to follow:

• Choose a variety of ground cherry that suits your taste and climate. Some common varieties are Aunt Molly’s, Cossack Pineapple, and Goldie.

• Start the seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost date in your area, or sow them directly outdoors after the frost danger has passed. Use a potting mix that is rich in organic matter and drains well.

• Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and keep the soil moist but not soggy. The seeds should germinate in 10 to 14 days.

• Transplant the seedlings to larger pots when they have two or three true leaves. Use pots that are at least 8 inches deep and have drainage holes. You can also use tomato cages or stakes to support the plants as they grow.

• Place the pots in a sunny spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Water the plants regularly, but avoid overwatering or letting the soil dry out completely.

• Fertilize the plants every two weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion or compost tea. You can also add some mulch around the base of the plants to conserve moisture and prevent weeds.

• Harvest the fruits when they fall off the plants and turn from green to yellow or orange. The fruits will be wrapped in a brown husk that you can peel off before eating or storing. You can enjoy them fresh, cooked, or preserved in jams, pies, or sauces.

If you love ground cherries as much as I do, you know how frustrating it can be when pests or diseases ruin your harvest. In this blog post, I'll share some common problems that affect ground cherries and how to prevent or treat them.

• Aphids: These tiny insects suck the sap from the leaves and stems of ground cherries, causing them to curl and wilt. They can also spread viruses that weaken the plants. To get rid of aphids, spray your plants with a strong jet of water or use an insecticidal soap.

• Cutworms: These caterpillars feed on the stems of young ground cherries at night, cutting them off at the soil level. To protect your plants, wrap a cardboard collar around the base of each stem or sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the plants.

• Fusarium wilt: This fungal disease causes the leaves of ground cherries to turn yellow and wilt, starting from the lower branches and moving up. The stems may also develop brown lesions. There is no cure for fusarium wilt, so you should remove and destroy any infected plants and avoid planting ground cherries in the same spot for several years.

• Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of ground cherries. It reduces photosynthesis and makes the plants less productive. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plants. To treat powdery mildew, spray your plants with a fungicide or a homemade solution of baking soda and water.

Potting and repotting ground cherries is similar to potting and repotting tomatoes, as they belong to the same plant family. Here are some tips to help you:

• Use an organic potting mix that is rich in organic matter and drains well. You can also add some compost or worm castings to improve the soil fertility and structure.

• Choose a pot that is at least 8 inches deep and has drainage holes. Ground cherries have a sprawling habit and can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide, so make sure the pot is large enough to accommodate the plant’s growth.

• Water the soil in the pot thoroughly an hour before repotting to make it slightly moist. This will help the roots to slide out easily and reduce the risk of damage.

• Loosen the soil around the edge of the pot and gently pull the plant out by the base of the main stem. Try not to disturb the root ball too much.

• Place the plant in the new pot at the same depth it was in the previous pot. Fill in the gaps with fresh potting mix and press it firmly around the roots.

• Water the plant well after repotting and place it in a sunny spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

• Fertilize the plant every two weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion or compost tea.

If you're looking for a unique and delicious fruit to grow in your garden, you might want to try ground cherries. These small, yellow fruits have a sweet and tangy flavor that resembles pineapple, tomato, and vanilla. They are also known as husk cherries, cape gooseberries, or golden berries, and they belong to the same family as tomatoes and tomatillos. Here are some frequently asked questions about ground cherries and how to grow them.

How can I tell if ground cherries are ripe?

When the husks of ground cherries turn brown and papery and the fruit inside is yellow or orange, they are ripe. The fruit should have a slight softness to the touch.

Can you grow ground cherries in containers?

Ground cherries can be grown in containers if the container is large enough to accommodate the plant's roots and the soil is well-drained. Select a container that is at least 12 inches deep and wide.

How should I keep ground cherries?

Ground cherries can be stored for several weeks in a cool, dry place or for up to a month in the refrigerator. Before storing, remove the papery husk.

The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.

1. Growing season - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
2. Organic matter - U.S. Geological Survey
3. Aphids - Maine Department of Agriculture