Description
How and When to Start Indoors
Ground cherry plants are best started under cover and planted out. Sow seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Plant seeds ¼ inch deep.
Time to Germination
5-8 days
When to Transplant
Plant outdoors two to four weeks after your last expected frost. Be sure to harden off seedlings before planting outdoors. Plants prefer a rich, light, warm soil and a sunny position.
Spacing Requirements
Transplanting into the garden, space plants at least 2 feet apart. Ground cherries have a sprawling growth habit similar to tomatillos. Be sure to give plants plenty of space in the garden.
Special Considerations
If you have grown ground cherries before, you may not even need to plant this crop again as ground cherries often volunteer in the garden. Make sure that your soil is well fertilized as this crop is a heavy feeder and takes a lot of nutrients from the soil.
Common Pests and Diseases
Ground cherries are not susceptible to many bacterial, fungal, or viral diseases. However, plants do occasionally suffer damage from flea beetles, whiteflies, ground cherry leaf beetles, and mites. Keep plants regularly watered and place floating row covers over them if these pests are particularly prevalent in your garden.
When and How to Harvest
The fruits must be fully ripe to be edible. At maturity, the husks of fruits become dry and papery, and the fruits drop from the plants. Mature fruits should be collected from the ground after they have fallen. The husk is inedible and must be removed.
