What it is
Ground Cherry (Physalis pruinosa) is in the Solanaceae (Nightshade) family. Tiny husk-wrapped fruits that taste like pineapple-tomato candy. They drop to the ground when ripe.
How to grow it
It wants full sun, water it moderate, and give it average soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–7.0. Space plants about 24 in apart. Expect roughly 65–75. Warm-season annual.
How it's used
Ground Cherry is used: fresh, jam, baked.
🔎 How to identify it
- Low spreading plant
- Papery husk like a tiny tomatillo
- Golden fruit when ripe
Edibility
PartsRipe fruit (husk off)
UsesFresh, jam, baked
CautionUnripe fruit is not for eating.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.