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| Courtesy: Baker Creek Seeds |
This last summer (2021) was the most amazing and most successful in my Garden to date. I learned many new things about how to protect my Gardens and some new vegetables that grow in our area. I would like to focus on one of those vegetables that I grew. They are Physalis pruinose - common name Ground Cherry Tomato. They are flowering plants in the Nightshade group and close relatives of tomatoes, Chinese Lanterns and Tomatillos. They grow in warm temperate and subtropical regions of the world.
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| Photo: Ed Powers |
Most of the species, of which 75–90 may exist, are indigenous to the Americas. Since ground cherries are native to Mexico and Central America they are usually grown as an annual here in the US. A notable feature is the formation of a large, papery husk derived from the calyx, which partly or fully encloses the fruit. The fruit is small and yellow to orange, similar in size, shape, and structure to a small tomato. All are started just like tomatoes and are super easy to grow; they do not need to be staked! The Physalis varieties store extremely well when kept in their protective husks, lasting for quite some time under refrigeration. They are used fresh or cooked, and are juicy and sweet. Husk cherries are grown in the same manner as tomatillos.
My Ground Cherry tomatoes produced fruit from late June to Early October. I live at 8,000 feet and find tomatoes hard to grow. The plant continued to grow and produced fruit until the first hard frost in October. I will plant these seeds next year and enjoy watching them produce fruit.
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| Photo: Ed Powers |
1. Ground cherries are well suited for zones 4 and higher, but are frost sensitive. They will do best if started indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. The seeds may be slow to germinate so be patient and be sure to harden off the transplants before planting outdoors.
2. Planting your ground cherries at the right time will help ensure success. Plant at the same time as you would for tomatoes and tomatillos.
3. Raised beds and containers are good choices for growing ground cherries. They are heavy feeders and require rich soil – apply a balanced organize fertilizer if needed.
4. They should be planted deeply – similar to tomatoes and tomatillos – as they will grow roots all along their stems. And, allow 2-3 feet between each plant.
5. Don’t let your plants dry out – they need regular water to grow well, otherwise they will drop their blossoms rather than setting fruit. Mulching around the plants will help retain moisture.
6. Ground cherries harvest themselves when they are ripe and will fall off the plant to the ground.
7. Storage can be increased by leaving the husks intact and storing in a mesh bag in a cool location (about 50º).
8. Ground cherries can be used in a variety of ways – (remove husk first) – they are delicious fresh, in jam, pies, salsa and sauces.
9. Look for different varieties and note their growing days from transplant to harvest. Some to look for: Pineapple, Goldie, Aunt Molly’s, and New Hanover
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| Courtesy: Good Housekeeping |
NOTES:
1. If growing your ground cherries in containers, choose one that is at least 8 inches deep with a good quality potting mix
2. For square foot gardening allow at least 4 squares (2×2) per plant
I look forward to next spring when I may have some volunteer Ground Cherry Plants and I will also be planting seed early indoors.
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| Photo: Ed Powers |
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