When can I plant ground cherry outside?

Direct sow or transplant 2 weeks after your last spring frost.

How long until ground cherry is ready to harvest?

65-75 days. Husks turn tan/papery and fruit drops to the ground; fruit inside is golden yellow and slightly soft

When to Plant Ground Cherry

Physalis pruinosa

fruitZones 3–11beginner

Unique fruit wrapped in papery husks with a sweet, tropical flavor (hints of pineapple and vanilla). Related to tomatillos. Prolific producer that drops ripe fruit to the ground.

Planting calendar

Start seeds indoors

6 weeks before your last spring frost.

Direct sow / transplant

2 weeks after your last spring frost.

Self-seeds vigorously; lay mulch under plants to keep dropped fruit clean

Spacing & harvest

Plant spacing: 24-36 inches
Row spacing: 24-36 inches
Days to harvest: 65-75 days
Ready when: Husks turn tan/papery and fruit drops to the ground; fruit inside is golden yellow and slightly soft

Companion planting

Plant near

Basil — Repels pests, same family as tomato

Keep away from

Fennel — Inhibits nightshade family growth

Get ground cherry planting dates for your exact zone

Lawn Guardian turns this guidance into a schedule timed to your USDA zone and this week's actual weather — and adapts every time you log what you've done.

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Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns