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This tomatillo-like variety, also known as Ground Cherries (Physalis pruinosa) is an endangered heirloom that is making a comeback. This rare pick produces an abundance of golden fruits with a pineapple-vanilla flavor.
Start Ground Cherries seeds indoors for early harvest.
Start indoors 4-6 weeks before setting outside. Keep growing medium between 70-80°; tomatillos love heat. Harden off plants and transplant outdoors into fertile, well-drained soil. Fruits fall to the ground when ripe, consider using landscape cloth for an easier harvest.
Ground Cherry Seeds Growing Details | |
---|---|
Botanical Name | Physalis pruinosa |
Plant Spacing | 2-3’ |
Planting Depth | 1/4” |
Spread | 2-3’ |
Height | 12-18” |
Germination Temp | 70-85 °F |
Light Required | Full Sun |
Life Cycle | Annual |
Days to Germination | 10-14 Days |
Days to Maturity | 65-75 Days |
Planting Zone | 4-8 |
Flower Form | Yellow Bell Shaped |
Yield | High |
Growth Rate | Fast |
Growing Season | Spring - Fall |
Harvest Season | Summer - Fall |
The use of trellises and supports can keep this sprawling plant healthier. Keeping ground cherry branches off the ground gives better air circulation. This takes more effort, but even the use of a tomato cage or a slanted piece of lattice works. This will also make it easier to find the delicious fruits when they fall off.
Growing ground cherry plants in containers is one way to make it easier to gather your harvest. It can also be helpful to prevent self-seeding.
Use a pot that has a minimum depth of 8 inches and at least 1 foot wide. Ensure the pot has good drainage and plenty of sunshine. Keep the soil moist. Additional fertilizer may be needed during the fruiting season.
Ground cherries and tomatillos are cousins to tomatoes. While both ground cherries and tomatillos have a papery husk, they have distinct differences. Ground cherries are smaller in size and have a much sweeter flavor than tomatillos.
Select a fully ripe ground cherry. Scoop the seeds and surrounding pulp into a container, add water, and allow it to ferment for a few days. Seeds that will be viable for planting will sink to the bottom. Skim off the floaters and gel on the top of the water. Then, rinse the remaining seeds thoroughly, removing all pulp and debris. Allow the seeds to dry completely before storing.