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Ground Cherry Seeds - Physalis pruinosa - Heirloom Variety - USA

Other Common Names:

Strawberry Tomato, Husk Cherry, Pineapple Ground Cherry, Poha Berry, and Cape Gooseberry.

Botanical & Culinary Information

The Ground Cherry belongs to the Solanaceae family, making it a cousin to tomatoes, peppers, and tomatillos. Its most distinct botanical feature is the papery, lantern-like husk (calyx) that fully encloses the sweet fruit.

- This plant is a provider! Heavy production!
- Love these, such a interesting and easy to grow garden berry!
- My kids love finding and eating them!
- Different and Good!

GREAT FOR JELLY AND JAM!!!!!!!!

Feature	Description
Scientific Name	Physalis pruinosa (Common Ground Cherry)
Plant Type	Annual Herbaceous
Fruit	Small, golden-yellow berry, similar in size to a cherry tomato. The fruit is only edible when fully ripe (golden-yellow) and dropped from the plant; the unripe, green fruit is considered toxic.
Flavor Profile	A unique and complex sweet-tart flavor, often described as a mix of pineapple, vanilla, and cherry tomato.
Culinary Uses	Excellent eaten fresh, often used in jams, pies, cobblers, sauces, and chutneys. They can also be dried like raisins for a tropical snack.

Seed Packet Sizing & Growing Guide

Ground Cherries are easy to grow and highly productive, with one plant often yielding dozens of fruits. Seeds should be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last expected frost date.

Seed Pack Size	Estimated Plants	Garden Space Needed	Notes on Planting
10 Seeds	5–10 plants	Small container garden or patio space	Perfect for trying out this heirloom variety.
50 Seeds	25–45 plants	Approx. 50–90 sq. ft.	Ideal for a full home garden and for making several batches of jam/preserves.
100 Seeds	90–100+ plants	Approx. 180–200 sq. ft.	Suitable for avid gardeners or small market gardens.
150 Seeds	135–150+ plants	Approx. 270–300 sq. ft.	Provides an abundance for large-scale preservation or sharing with neighbors.

General Growing Tips:

Sowing: Plant seeds $1/16"$ deep in sterile starting mix. Use a heat mat to maintain soil temperature between $70 - 8 5^{\circ} F$ for best germination. VERY VERY SMALL SEEDS! (Do NOT plant deep!) Surface sow, and push in for best results.
Transplanting: Harden off seedlings and transplant outdoors only after all danger of frost has passed.
Spacing: Ground Cherries have a sprawling, bushy habit. Space plants $24 - 36$ inches apart.
Harvest: The fruit is ready when the papery husk turns dry and brown, and the fruit naturally drops to the ground. Simply collect the fallen, husk-covered berries!

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