By Barbara Pleasant, August 12, 2023
If you’re seeking a rewarding gardening experience, ground cherries (Physalis pruinosa) are an excellent choice. These sweet, yellow berries encased in papery husks are not only delicious and nutritious but also easy to grow. They thrive in late summer, shading out weeds with their sprawling growth and producing fruit continuously for weeks.
What Are Ground Cherries?
Ground cherries, sometimes called strawberry ground cherries or husk tomatoes, belong to the Physalis family. The most commonly cultivated species, Physalis pruinosa, originates from Mexico and has become a favorite in gardens worldwide. Varieties like Aunt Molly’s (a Pennsylvania heirloom), Cossack Pineapple (from Poland), and Goldie (from Austria) adapt well to climates suitable for growing cherry tomatoes. A close cousin, Physalis peruviana, often called Inca berry or Cape gooseberry, offers similar appeal.
Loved by kids and adults alike, ground cherries are remarkably sweet with tropical undertones and a hint of tomato. They’re rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and require no sugar or cooking to enjoy fresh, making them excellent garden snacks akin to blueberries or spring peas.
How to Grow Ground Cherries
Starting Seeds
Ground cherry seedlings are rare in nurseries, so you’ll likely start from seeds. Since their hard seed coats slow germination, plant them six to eight weeks before the last spring frost, ideally two weeks earlier than tomatoes. Maintain temperatures above 70°F (21°C) using a heat mat to encourage sprouting. Grow seedlings under bright lights and harden them off gradually.
Planting and Care
Ground cherries prefer fertile, well-drained soil with moderate nitrogen. Enhance planting holes with compost and organic plant food. Once the soil warms, transplant seedlings outdoors. Protect young plants with cloches or tunnels in cooler climates.
Unlike upright plants, ground cherries spread horizontally, developing some vertical growth later. Ripe fruits drop to the ground, so laying cardboard or mulch beneath the plants keeps fruits clean and maintains consistent soil moisture. Avoid sudden dryness or overwatering, which can cause fruit splitting.
Watch for tomato hornworms, which may chew through leaves. A blacklight flashlight can help locate them at night.
Container Growing
Ground cherries grow well in containers. Use a 10-gallon (40-liter) pot or larger, and raise the container slightly off the ground for easier fruit collection. This setup is especially useful in children’s gardens, reducing the chance of branch damage during harvest.
Harvesting Tips
Ripe ground cherries naturally drop from the plant, and their protective husks keep them fresh for a few days. Harvest every two to three days by gently lifting branches and collecting the fruits. For container plants, you can even sweep fallen cherries into a dustpan. Stored in their husks at room temperature, they last up to a week.
Cooking and Preserving Ground Cherries
Ground cherries are versatile in the kitchen. Their sweet-tart flavor enhances salads, pairs well with cheeses, and makes a delightful topping for yogurt or cereal. Ground cherry salsa with summer tomatoes and peppers is a standout. Roasted ground cherries create a savory spread, and they shine in desserts like pies and cobblers.
Preserve the bounty as jam, salsa, or chutney. Alternatively, freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to airtight containers for future use.
Ground cherries are a delightful addition to any garden, offering a blend of simplicity, flavor, and nutrition. With minimal effort, you’ll enjoy their sweet rewards all season long!