The plant known in different species as ground cherry, dwarf cape gooseberry, and strawberry tomato is a plant that bears a small yellow edible fruit inside a papery husk. Ground cherries usually bear hundreds of fruits per plant. There are numerous people interested in growing a ground cherry plant, and if you are also one of them, then this guide tells you how you can easily grow a ground cherry plant. 

How and when to start seeds indoors

You should start the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep. The seeds take approximately 5-8 days to germinate. 

When to plant outdoors

Plant outdoors two to four weeks after the last frost date. Hardening off the seedlings is necessary before transplanting. The plants require rich, light, and warm soil, as well as sunny garden beds.

Spacing

Spacing plants when transplanting should be no less than 2 feet between plants. Ground cherries have a sprawling growth habit similar to that of tomatillos. Plenty of room in the garden bed is required for the plants.

Factors to consider

If you have already grown ground cherries in your garden, there will probably be no need to plant this crop once again, as they usually volunteer in the garden. Ensure that your soil is well-fertilized, since the plants are quite hungry.

Common Pests and Diseases

Ground cherry plants are resistant to many bacterial, viral, and fungal diseases. But the plants do get attacked by flea beetles, whiteflies, ground cherry leaf beetles, and mites. Plants need to be adequately watered and placed under floating row covers if there is an abundance of such pests in your garden.

Harvesting 

The fruits need to be completely mature before being eaten. When mature, the husks of the fruit will have dried out and turned paper-like, and the fruits change color from green to yellow and fall off from the plants. The mature fruits need to be harvested from the soil once they have fallen.

Consuming

The fruits can be eaten directly off the plant, made into jam and pies. Their distinct taste makes them ideal to be preserved as sauces and jams. Try Grandma Ott's Ground Cherry Jam recipe from Diane Ott Whealy, founder of Seed Savers Exchange.

Storage

In comparison to most fleshy fruits, ripe ground cherries are able to last a while, allowing for several weeks of storage. To store ground cherries, the fruits should be stored with their husks still on.