Ground Cherry - Yellow

SKU:
CA$3.25
3.25 8.05 CA$3.25 - CA$8.05
Unavailable
Approximately 1000-1200 seeds per gram
Physalis Pruinosa​
Lot# GR26701
This out of the ordinary yellow ground cherry has many names including Dwarf Cape Gooseberry, and Yellow Husk Tomato.  An Amish heirloom plant that produces a small nickel sized, yellow, edible berry that is surrounded by a papery husk.  It has a sweet flavor that is similar to pineapple. The short spreading vines produce abundantly and grow to about 61 cm (24”) tall, having a spread that is 61 cm (24”) wide. The fruit is ripe when the husk drops off the plant. Excellent in soups, sauces, pies, or eating fresh.
Planting Instructions:  
  • Start indoors mid-March to early April. Plant 2-3 seeds 6mm (1/4”) deep in good potting mix in 7-10cm (3-4”) pots. It is best to keep ground cherry seedlings under very bright light to prevent plants from becoming too leggy. When transplanting outside, allow 45-90cm (18-36”) between plants and 61-90cm (24-36”) between rows. Germination takes approximately 7-14 days. Transplant deeply to the first set of leaves after the risk of frost has passed. Thin to the strongest plant. The seeds require warm soil between roughly 21-26°C (70-80° F). Warmer soils will promote faster germination.  Keep soil moist, but not soggy while awaiting germination. Moderate watering will suffice once seedlings break through the soil. Select a well-drained location that receives lots of sunlight after the last frost to transplant from pots.
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked, rich, loose, well-drained soil. Soil PH: 5.5-7.0, Ideal 6.3-6.5
  • Planting Depth:   Sow seeds 6-12mm (¼-½") deep.
  • Germination:  7-14 days.
  • Height at Maturity:  61 cm (24”) tall.   Spread:  61 cm (24”) across.
  • Days to Maturity:   70-80 days. 
  • Watering:   Ground cherry plants are average feeders especially when they have fruit growing.  Proper watering is tricky as you have to water deeply and then let the soil dry out slightly but still remain slightly moist and then water deeply again.  Keep watering schedule consistent throughout the growing season and you will not be disappointed.  Moisture is critical to prevent cracked fruits and blossom end rot.   Mulch the soil around the plants to help reduce water evaporation and use drip irrigation.
  • Sun/Shade:  Full Sun   
  • Spacing after Thinning:  Set transplants 90cm (36”), in rows between 90cm (18-36”) apart.
Additional Information
Keep to a strict 3-4 year rotation, removing vines at the end of the year. Ripe fruit will fall to the ground.  When harvesting ground cherries we pull the plant and shake the papery husks from the plants and winnowing the lighter, immature cherries out from the ripe ones.