Ground Cherries, aka Cape Gooseberry or Husk Tomato are hardly seen in the U.S. except in Pennsylvania Dutch country and parts of the Midwest. The sprawling vine grows up to 2 feet high and spreads 3 to 4 feet wide. The fruits are ½- to ¾-inch in diameter and are encased in a loose, papery husk. When they are ripe, they resemble yellow Cherry Tomatoes. They are smaller and sweeter than Tomatillos and can be eaten raw, but even better when sweetened and cooked. Short plants produce good yields rather quickly. They are best when they drop from the plant. Very easy to grow and fun for kids.
Family: Solanaceae (so-lan-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Physalis (fy-SAL-is)
Species: pubescens var. integrifolia
Cultivar: Aunt Molly's
Synonym:Physalis pruinosa
Category:
Annuals
Edible Fruits and Nuts
Vegetables
Height:
6-24 in. (15-60 cm)
Spacing:
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Sun Exposure:
Sun to Partial Shade
Danger:
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested, only harvest ripe berries
Bloom Color:
Pale Yellow
Bloom Time:
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Foliage:
Velvet/Fuzzy-Textured
Soil pH requirements:
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Days: 70 days
Size: Indeterminate
Season: Mid-Season
Seed Type:
Open-pollinated Heirloom
Other details:
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Propagation Methods:
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting:
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
