Ground Cherry
Physalis hederaefolia cordifolia
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Pl. 3A65 — Physalis hederaefolia cordifolia
Physalis hederaefolia cordifoliaPhysalis hederaefolia cordifoliaPhysalis hederaefolia cordifoliaPhysalis hederaefolia cordifoliaPhysalis hederaefolia cordifoliaPhysalis hederaefolia cordifoliaPhysalis hederaefolia cordifoliaPhysalis hederaefolia cordifoliaPhysalis hederaefolia cordifoliaPhysalis hederaefolia cordifoliaPhysalis hederaefolia cordifoliaPhysalis hederaefolia cordifoliaPhysalis hederaefolia cordifoliaPhysalis hederaefolia cordifolia
IOverview
Overview
Ground Cherry (Physalis hederaefolia cordifolia) is a perennial forb or herb native to regions of South America including Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil. This plant thrives in partial sun to full sunlight and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types such as light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils. Known for its edible fruit, which are small, golden-husked berries often enjoyed fresh or used in jams, the ground cherry is a distinctive plant with a height of about 0.3 meters. Its ability to grow in diverse environments makes it a versatile addition to gardens seeking both ornamental value and culinary interest.
Quick answers
What is Ground Cherry?
Ground Cherry (Physalis hederaefolia cordifolia) is a perennial forb or herb native to regions of South America including Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Ground Cherry thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to dry conditions. It grows well in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types. This perennial can reach a height of 0.3 meters and is hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, use seeds sown directly in the ground after all danger of frost has passed, or start them indoors for later transplanting. The fruit is edible and ready for harvest when it turns from green to yellow or red.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Ground Cherry for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance approach to growing Ground Cherry.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, small pots for starting seeds, a garden bed, mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when soil is warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with well-draining soil that's not too heavy. Amend with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out, or buy young plants from a nursery.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Protect seedlings from pests.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mulch around the base for moisture retention and weed control.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to remove dead leaves and stems, which helps air circulation and prevents disease.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Condiment
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
15 native · 14 introduced
Distribution
15 native · 14 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 15 native· 14 introduced
Americas3 regions
native (3)BoliviaParaguayUruguay
Africa4 regions
introduced (4)AlgeriaLesothoMozambiqueZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Chile Central, Chile North, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest
introduced:Cape Provinces, Easter Is., Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, New South Wales, Northern Provinces, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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