How to Grow Ground Cherries

Ground cherries, also called Cape Gooseberries, are a relative of the tomato and tomatillo. They are native to southern Europe but have been grown in North America for more than a century. Growing ground cherries is as simple as growing tomatoesThe plants require similar nutrients and care.

Things You'll Need

• Ground cherry seeds
• Planting pots
• Water
• Compost

Instructions

1. Acquire ground cherry seeds. Because ground cherries are not as popular as they once were, it can be difficult to locate seed locally, but many online suppliers will have them. Buy your seed in the late winter or early spring so that you'll have time to plant indoors and set them outside when the weather warms up.

2. Plant the ground cherry seeds in compost in pots 60 days before the frost-free date for your area. Cover seeds shallowly with soil, and press down firmly. Water seeds thoroughly, and place in a humid location. The seeds do not need sunlight until they start to sprout. Keep the tops of the pots misted with water so that they don't dry out and kill the young seedling.

3. Place growing seedlings in a sunny window. Keep them well-watered as they grow. If the seedlings stretch toward the sunlight, turn the tray of pots daily so that the seedlings grow straight.

4. Plant ground cherries outside when all chance of frost has gone. Get the ground cherry seedlings used to the outdoors gradually by taking the seedlings outside in a semi-shaded area for a few hours before returning them to the house. Increase the length of time and amount of sun daily for a week until the seedlings have become used to the outdoors. Plant the seedlings in well-dug soil that has been amended with compost or animal manures. Ground cherries need at least 8 hours of sunlight per day, so plant in a sunny location.

5. Water the ground cherries thoroughly before they dry out. If the soil has been amended with compost or manure, no other fertilizer will be needed during the growing season. The plants will reach approximately 2 feet high and will spread out, keeping the soil naturally moist.

6. Harvest the ground cherries when the papery husk pulls back from the cherry and it has turned yellow-orange. If you live in USDA Zone 7 or above (see Resources below), allow some ripe ground cherries to fall to the ground, and you will most likely have new ground cherry plants next year. Ground cherries can be eaten fresh or used in salads, salsas, pies or other desserts.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• About USDA hardiness zones