Basics
- Ease of Growing
- Moderate
- Grown as
- Annual
- Days to Maturity
- 68-73 (Spring/Summer)
- Growing Habit
- -
- Hardiness
- Tender
Frost sensitive.
- Crops
- Spring Transplant
- Growing Season
- Short, Long
- Cultivar Type
- -
- Growing Conditions
- Cool, Warm, Hot
Ground cherries like the same conditions as Tomatoes, and enjoy lots of sun. They will not survive if there is a frost, but will survive in mild winters. The tops die off in cold temperatures, but the roots will continue growing.
- Outdoor Growing Temp
- 65°F - 90°F
- Min Outdoor Soil Temp
- 75°F
If it's warm enough for tomatoes to grow, it's warm enough for ground cherries.
- Start Indoors
- Yes
- Start Outdoors
- No
- Light
- Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot)
Ground Cherries prefer full sun.
- Water
- Moderate
Tomatillos and Ground Cherries are quite drought tolerant, but for best fruit production they should be watered regularly.
- Feeder
- Light
Generally, Ground Cherries are independent plants and don't need a lot of attention. Give them a feed of compost tea or liquid kelp when the flowers first appear.
- Suitability
- Drought tolerant, High heat
- Small Gardens?
- Yes
- Containers?
- Yes
A large container (12" in diameter, or more) is best - or even a large wine barrel.
- Attracts beneficial insects?
- No
- Color
- Pineapple yellow
- Fruit Size
- 0.25 - 0.5"
- Plant Height
- 12.0 - 18.0"
- Plant Diameter
- 18.0 - 24.0"
- Hardiness Zone
- -
- Disease Resistance
- Taste Profile
Small berries have a tart yet sweet taste, similar to pineapple.
- Rotation Group
- Fruits: Solanaceae + Cucurbits