There are no products listed under this category.
Commonly known as ground cherry, dwarf cape gooseberry, and strawberry tomato, this plant produces a small, yellow, edible berry surrounded by a papery husk. Ground cherries typically produce hundreds of fruits on each plant.
When soil is thoroughly warm
Raised beds are best for growing ground cherries, especially in heavy clay soils, because the plants need good drainage. Work a couple inches of compost into the soil before planting.
Sow 4-6 seeds/in. 6-7 weeks before first frost and transplanting out and grow without support. Ground cherry plants are best started under cover and planted out. Sow seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Plant seeds ¼”deep.
NOTE: Seeds are slow to germinate compared to tomatillos and tomatoes, requiring about 2 weeks to germinate. Keep soil moist until emergence. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost, 18-24" apart. Transplanting into the garden, space plants at least 2 feet apart. Ground cherries have a sprawling growth habit similar to tomatillos. Be sure to give plants plenty of space in the garden.
When fruits are golden and tan husks open. More cold-tolerant than tomatoes; bears until heavy frost.
The fruits must be fully ripe to be edible. Ground cherries typically bear fruit about 70 days from transplant (late July to August in most regions) and continue until frost. The ground cherries have the peculiar characteristic of falling to the ground before they are ripe. Simply gather them up after they drop and keep them at room temperature in a basket without removing their husks. In a week or less, their color will deepen from light yellow to the warm apricot gold that signals ripeness. Store ground cherries in their husks. They will stay fresh for up to three months if placed in a mesh bag and kept in a cool place (about 50°F).
Looking to get started by growing ground cherry from seed? Click on the button below to get started.
Shop nowThere are no products listed under this category.