Ground cherries are gaining popularity among gardeners for their unique sweet-tart taste and culinary versatility. Resembling small tomatillos, they are encased in papery husks and can be eaten fresh or used in jams, pies, and salsas.
They are easy to plant and require little maintenance; they thrive in well-drained soil with full sun. These plants are also relatively pest-resistant and can produce abundant fruit throughout the growing season.
Ground cherry plants, similar to the common tomato but typically with a stiffer, more upright stem, are herbaceous and grow to heights ranging from 0.4 to 3.0 meters (1 to 10 feet). Despite their misleading name, they are unrelated to true cherries (Prunus spp.). They can be annual or perennial, thriving in full sun and warm to hot temperatures.
While some species are frost-sensitive, others can tolerate cold when dormant in winter. Ground cherries are adaptable to various soil types, performing well even in poor soils and pots, and they need moisture until they begin fruiting. They self-pollinate and attract bees and other pollinators to the garden.
Ground cherries are best planted after the last frost date in your region, typically in late spring or early summer when the soil has warmed up. This timing allows for optimal germination and growth. However, ground cherries can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost to get a head start on the growing season.
Whether started indoors or directly sown outdoors, ground cherries require soil temperatures of at least 70°F (21°C) for successful germination. Plant them in a location with full sun exposure and well-draining soil to ensure healthy growth and abundant fruit production throughout the growing season.
Selecting a Location
When selecting a location for ground cherries, prioritize spots with full sun exposure, ensuring they receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Opt for areas with sufficient space for the plants to spread out, as they can grow up to 3 feet tall and equally wide.
Consider planting ground cherries near a fence or trellis for support, particularly if you're growing vining varieties. Avoid areas prone to strong winds, as this may damage the delicate stems. Lastly, be mindful of the toxicity of the plant's foliage to pets and children, and place them in a secure yet accessible spot within your garden.
Preparing the soil for planting ground cherries is crucial for their successful growth and fruit production. Start by ensuring the soil is well-draining, as ground cherries prefer moist but not waterlogged conditions. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or aged manure into the soil to improve its structure and fertility.
Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0. Remove any weeds or debris from the planting area to prevent competition for nutrients and water. Consider performing a soil test to assess nutrient levels and make any necessary amendments before planting.
Once you've selected an appropriate location and prepared the soil, whether for planting seeds or seedlings, here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your ground cherry plants thrive:
Planting Seeds Indoor
Seed Trays or Pots: Fill seed trays or pots with a high-quality potting mix, preferably one with good drainage. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep into the soil, spacing them around 2 inches apart.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Using a spray bottle or gentle watering can help prevent disturbing the seeds.
Light and Temperature: Place the seed trays or pots in a warm, sunny location, or under grow lights.
Transplanting: Once the seedlings have grown to about 2-3 inches tall and have developed a few sets of true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted outdoors.
Hardening: Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over the course of a week before transplanting.
Planting Outdoor
Planting Site: Choose a sunny location in your garden with well-draining soil.
Digging Planting Holes: Dig holes slightly larger than the root balls of the seedlings and space them around 2 feet apart.
Transplanting Seedlings: Gently remove the seedlings from their containers, being careful not to disturb the roots, and place them in the holes. Backfill the holes with soil and gently pat down the soil around the seedlings.
Watering Again: After transplanting, water the seedlings thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots and reduce transplant shock.
If you choose to plant seedlings instead of seeds, ensure to select healthy and robust ones when purchasing from a nursery or garden center. Look for seedlings with vibrant, lush green foliage, devoid of any indications of disease or pest infestation. Once acquired, proceed with the aforementioned steps to properly plant them.
Caring for ground cherries is essential to ensure healthy growth, optimal fruit production, and disease prevention. Proper care includes:
Water
These plants prefer consistently moist soil, but they don't like to be waterlogged. Aim to water them deeply, providing enough moisture to penetrate the root zone, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
A good rule of thumb is to water them whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture and reduce the frequency of watering. Overall, a balance of regular watering and proper drainage is key to keeping ground cherries thriving.
Light
Ground cherries thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and fruit production. Place them in a location where they can receive plenty of sunlight, such as a south-facing garden bed or container.
Adequate sunlight ensures robust plant development, encourages flowering, and promotes the formation of flavorful fruits. If growing indoors, place them near a bright window or provide supplemental lighting to mimic natural sunlight.
If you've transplanted your ground cherries into nutrient-rich soil, you may find that fertilization isn't essential. These robust plants are capable of thriving in diverse soil conditions. However, if you notice symptoms like yellowing leaves or sluggish growth, it might indicate a need for fertilizer.
For those seeking to boost fruit production, consider adding fertilizer when your ground cherry plants start to flower. Opt for a high-quality fish emulsion fertilizer, ensuring it's properly diluted according to the instructions on the package.
Temperature and Humidity
Ground cherries exhibit strong heat tolerance within their designated growing zones, flourishing in temperatures ranging from 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit and enduring temperatures as high as 85 degrees. However, frost poses a threat to the plants, potentially causing harm.
If you reside in a cooler climate and face the risk of frost before your ground cherries have ripened, protect your plants by covering them with row covers or a large piece of fabric. Typically, humidity levels do not pose significant challenges for these plants.
Mulching
Mulching ground cherries involves applying a layer of organic material, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of the plants. This should be done when the soil is moist and temperatures are moderate. Mulch helps conserve soil moisture, suppresses weed growth, and moderates soil temperature fluctuations.
Additionally, it contributes to soil health by promoting microbial activity and organic matter decomposition. Overall, mulching creates an optimal growing environment for ground cherries, leading to healthier plants and improved yields.
Providing support for ground cherries, especially vining varieties, is essential for their healthy growth and optimal fruit production. Options like stakes, cages, or trellises can help prevent sprawling and keep fruits off the ground, reducing the risk of rot and pest damage.
Supporting structures should be installed at planting or shortly after to avoid damaging roots. Proper support ensures better air circulation, sunlight exposure, and ease of harvesting, resulting in more robust and productive ground cherry plants.
Pruning
It's best to lightly prune ground cherries, focusing on removing dead or damaged branches, as these plants naturally sprawl and don't require extensive pruning. Regularly trimming overcrowded areas helps prevent disease and pest infestation.
Avoid heavy pruning, especially during the growing season, as it can reduce fruit yield. Pruning is typically done in early spring before new growth begins or throughout the growing season as needed to maintain plant health and vigor.
Pest and Disease Control
Common pests that may affect ground cherries include aphids, flea beetles, and tomato hornworms. Regular inspection of plants for signs of infestation, such as yellowing leaves or chewed foliage, is crucial. Control measures may include handpicking pests, applying insecticidal soap, or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs to the garden.
Additionally, ground cherries are susceptible to fungal diseases like early blight and powdery mildew. To prevent these diseases, maintain good airflow around plants by adequately spacing them and avoid overhead watering. Applying organic fungicides and practicing crop rotation can also aid in managing fungal infections.
Regular monitoring, timely intervention, and practicing good garden hygiene are key strategies for effective pest and disease control in ground cherries.
Ground cherries typically bear fruit around 70 to 90 days after transplanting. Harvesting should be done when the husks turn brown and papery, and the fruits are fully ripe, typically falling to the ground or easily plucked from the plant. Gently remove the husks and collect the fruits, discarding any that are underripe or damaged.
For immediate consumption, rinse the fruits and enjoy their sweet-tart flavor. If storing, leave the fruits in their husks and place them in a single layer in a ventilated container, such as a shallow basket or a mesh bag, and store them in a cool, dry place. Ground cherries can be kept for up to two weeks when stored this way. Avoid refrigeration, as it can degrade their flavor and texture.
How to Grow Ground Cherry in Pots
Cultivating ground cherries in a container offers the flexibility of relocating the plant to optimal sunlight and protecting it from potential damage caused by severe storms. Ensure selecting a container with a minimum depth of 12 inches to accommodate the plant's sizable root system.
The container must feature drainage holes at the base to prevent water accumulation. Opt for well-draining potting soil rich in organic content. An unglazed clay container is preferable, facilitating the release of excess soil moisture through its walls.
Ground cherries are commonly propagated from seeds, but they can also be grown from cuttings, providing an easy and cost-effective method to establish new plants. The optimal time for taking cuttings is from late spring to early summer. Here's a simple guide on how to do it:
Select a healthy, mature ground cherry plant from which to take cuttings.
Using sharp, sterilized scissors or pruning shears, take 4-6 inch long cuttings from the tips of the plant's stems. Ensure each cutting has at least 2-3 leaf nodes.
Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top.
Dip the cut end of each cutting into rooting hormone (optional) to encourage root development.
Plant the cuttings in a pot filled with well-draining soil or a propagation tray filled with perlite or vermiculite.
Keep the soil or rooting medium consistently moist and provide indirect light.
Roots should begin to develop within 2-4 weeks. Once the cuttings have established a healthy root system, they can be transplanted into larger containers or into the garden.
Ground Cherries Varieties
Ground cherries, belonging to the Physalis genus, offer several varieties, each with its unique characteristics:
Aunt Molly's Ground Cherry
This specific variety, known as Aunt Molly, takes approximately 65 days to reach maturity. This heirloom variety produces sweet-tart fruits wrapped in papery husks. It is renowned for its vigorous growth and high yields, making it a popular choice among gardeners.
Strawberry Husk Tomato Ground Cherry
This variety is distinguished by its strawberry-like appearance and unique flavor. It yields small, red fruits encased in husks, typically ready for harvest in about 70-90 days. With its ornamental appeal and culinary versatility, it's a favorite among gardeners seeking something both visually striking and delicious.
Cossack Pineapple Ground Cherry
This variety, named for its pineapple-like flavor, yields small, yellow-orange fruits with a sweet-tart taste. Adaptable to various conditions, it thrives and produces plentiful harvests. Its versatile fruits can be enjoyed fresh, used in jams, or incorporated into desserts, lending a sweet-tart essence to culinary endeavors.
Golden Nugget Ground Cherry
This compact variety is ideal for container gardening, producing abundant yields of small, golden-yellow fruits. It has a sweet flavor with hints of pineapple and citrus.
