Ground cherries
Small sweet husk fruits that fall from the plant when ripe.
Ground cherries seeds
£2.49 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
March–April indoors
Plant out
Collect fallen fruit regularly; let husks dry before storing.
Harvest
August–October
Conditions
Sun
Full sun, 6–8 hours a day
Water
Keep soil consistently moist; they are less tolerant of drought than tomatoes.
Soil
Rich, free-draining, pH 6.0–7.0
Spacing
60-90cm between plants. Plant at least two for good pollination.
Containers
Excellent in large pots (min. 30cm diameter) or grow bags. Provide support.
Indoors
Can be grown in a greenhouse or a sunny, sheltered spot outdoors in the UK.
Care and harvest
Feeding
Once fruits start to set, feed weekly with a high-potash tomato feed.
Pruning
Pinch out side shoots similar to indeterminate tomatoes, or allow to sprawl and provide support. Support plants with canes.
Harvesting
Collect fallen fruit regularly; let husks dry before storing.
Storage
Store in their husks in the fridge for several weeks, or process into salsa and freeze.
Good companions: Marigolds, Carrots, Peppers, Onions