Meet the sweet and tart ground cherry!
While the name conjures up images of juicy red cherries sprawled across the ground, this plant is more akin to a tomatillo than a cherry. Despite varieties such as Aunt Molly’s, which have been cultivated in North America since the 1800s, this late-summer delicacy remains relatively unknown. With a flavour reminiscent of ripe pineapple tinged with tomato, ground cherries are unforgettable and the perfect addition to the permaculture garden, relying only on Mother Nature to grow and thrive.
What are Ground Cherries?
Ground cherry plants (Physalis), also known as cape gooseberries or husk tomatoes, are small, 1- to 3-foot bushes typically grown alongside peas and zucchini in the vegetable garden. They produce self-pollinating, yellow flowers in early summer before bearing yellow or orange fruit the size of a cherry, wrapped in a papery husk that, when ripe, falls to the ground (hence the name ground cherry).
Ground Cherries, Soil, and Sun
Ground cherries are sun-loving plants, but they’re not picky about soil as long as it’s well-draining. Nobody likes to have their feet wet all the time! As long as ground cherries get at least 1-2 inches of water each week, they flourish.
Ground Cherries, Compost, and Mulch
‘Compost’ and ‘Mulch’ are my two favourite words for the permaculture garden. A couple of scoops of compost worked into the soil a few times throughout the growing season is all the plant needs. Adding a layer of mulch (straw or grass clippings) around the base of the plant will suppress weeds, which can compete for the nutrients and water the plant needs.
When to Plant Ground Cherries
When springtime temperatures consistently remain around 65°F at night, it’s time to plant ground cherries. Easy to grow as seeds or as plant starts, the key for a successful ground cherry harvest is to ensure the plants are well spaced – at least 1 or 2 feet apart and planted 8-10 inches deep so the root system can develop and work it’s way into the ground to collect water and nutrients.
How to Plant and Propagate Ground Cherries
One plant can produce dozens of fruit; two or three plants go a long way at harvest time. And yes, ground cherries can be grown in pots at least 14 inches in diameter. In climate zones 8 or higher, where plants typically have a cold tolerance of 10-15°F, ground cherries self-seed and overwinter, propelling them into the perennial category. In colder zones, they remain annuals, easily propagating by collecting their seeds and drying them over winter.
Ground Cherries, Pests, and Diseases
Cutworms, spider mites and verticillium wilt (a fungal disease) are things to look for. Cutworms will attack young plants but can be kept at bay by placing a paper or cardboard collar around the young plant. Push the collar into the soil about an inch or so deep to prevent worms from moving up the plant’s stalk. Mites like to feed on the underside of plant leaves. Remove infected leaves or use a hose to spray them off the plant.
Harvesting and Preserving Ground Cherries
When the husks surrounding the fruit turn brown and papery, it’s time to harvest!
One of the best things about ground cherries is their long shelf life in the refrigerator, root cellar, or freezer. They also make a yummy jam.
