Ground Cherry

Ground cherries prefer well-drained soil at pH 6.0-7.0 with a modest compost addition rather than heavy nitrogen fertilizer. Give the low, spreading plants room and keep moisture even while berries develop.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Even moisture; about 1 in/week including rain

Spacing

24 in

First harvest

70–90 days

Tips

• Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting and set plants about 2 feet apart after nights warm.
• Water at the base when the top inch of soil dries and mulch to keep fallen fruit clean.
• Use a low cage if branches sprawl into paths, and avoid nitrogen-heavy feeding.
• Check young plants for flea beetles and gather fallen husks frequently to limit pests and unwanted seedlings.
• Harvest only ripe fallen fruit with papery husks; do not eat green fruit.