Ground cherries are a cousin of the tomatoes and tomatillos but they are much sweeter. They have a tangy, tart, citrus flavor. These ground cherries are a lemon yellow color and they resemble a mini tomatillo on the vine. They go great in a salad or over ice cream and they store well in their husks. They make great preserves due to their high pectin content.
Planting/Harvesting Notes
- Plant in well draining, fertile soil in full sun
- Space plants 2-3 ft apart
- Use a tomato cage or stake to keep plants off the ground
- Time from planting to harvest is 60-70 days.
- Note: Unripe, green ground cherries and their husks are bitter and toxic. DO NOT EAT!
Seed Saving
To save seeds, squeeze the seeds and pulp from the ground cherry and scoop out the seeds into a small container. Be sure to label the container with your variety. Once all seeds are in the container, fill the container with water so that the seeds are floating (approximately 1/4-1/2 cup water) and cover the container. Allow the container to sit in a cool, dark place for 3-5 days. It is ok if a moldy film develops on top. After 3-5 days, carefully remove the film and stir. Allow seeds to settle for 1-2 minutes. Any seeds that sink are viable. Carefully pour off any floating seeds and pulp and then strain the sunken seeds. Rinse the remaining gel off the seeds while they are in the strainer. Then spread the seed in a single layer on a drying screen, paper plate, etc. If saving multiple varieties, be sure to label all seeds. After all seeds are dry, store in a labeled paper envelope in a cool dry place.
