{"id":2712,"date":"2023-06-23T06:54:26","date_gmt":"2023-06-23T06:54:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gardendad.co.uk\/?p=2712"},"modified":"2023-06-23T06:54:47","modified_gmt":"2023-06-23T06:54:47","slug":"how-to-grow-ground-cherry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gardendad.co.uk\/how-to-grow-ground-cherry\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Grow Ground Cherry?"},"content":{"rendered":"

It may surprise you to know that this pretty little plant is actually a member of the Nightshade family – and it may surprise you even more to know that you can easily grow them!<\/p>\n

No need to google any further how to grow ground cherry – we have all the information you will need right her. Read on for everything you need to know.<\/p>\n

How To Grow Ground Cherries?<\/h2>\n

\"How<\/p>\n

You can either start your plants from seed or buy seedlings – seedlings might be easier, but it is perfectly possible either way.<\/p>\n

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  1. Start the seeds off indoors, around 2 months before the last frost is due – these plants won\u2019t grow if they are too cold.<\/li>\n
  2. Plant a few seeds per pot of good quality potting mix<\/a>, and place them 1\/4 inch deep. Keep the soil moist and the pots in a warm place.<\/li>\n
  3. The seeds should sprout after around a week, and you should keep them warm and well watered until they are more established.<\/li>\n
  4. Separate the seedlings into individual pots to allow them to grow on and become stronger.<\/li>\n
  5. At least a month after the last frost, you can plant out your ground cherries – make sure you harden them off for a couple of weeks before you do so!<\/li>\n
  6. You can also grow ground cherries in containers, provided the containers are large enough and have drainage holes to stop the water from puddling.<\/li>\n
  7. Site them in a warm, sunny position in your garden or greenhouse – they like to be kept warm and can cope with full sun.<\/li>\n
  8. You will need light, well draining soil, and your ground cherries will love a bit of organic compost dug in before they are planted out.<\/li>\n
  9. Allow at least 2 feet between your plants – these guys like to trail and sprawl, so make sure they have enough space.<\/li>\n
  10. The plants will grow, flower and fruit in the space of a couple of months – don\u2019t panic if yours are taking a little longer though!<\/li>\n
  11. After the first flowers start to appear, feed your ground cherry plants with some diluted, balanced liquid fertiliser, to give them an extra boost.<\/li>\n
  12. Bear in mind that the fruits can sometimes fall off the vine before they are ripe, so check for other signs of readiness before you eat them.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Where Do Ground Cherries Grow Best?<\/h2>\n

    Like all plants, ground cherries have their preferred conditions that will encourage them to grow their best and produce the best fruit.<\/p>\n

    They are semi-tropical plants, hailing from many parts of the US and are believed to have originated in Brazil, so you can tell that they like warm weather.<\/p>\n

    These plants like a full sun <\/strong>position, so they will grow best in places where they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight.<\/p>\n

    They can handle a little shade, but they will not produce as many fruits, and those it does will not be as big or as sweet.<\/p>\n

    Ground cherries like loamy, well draining, slightly acidic soil, so you should choose a spot that meets these criteria.<\/p>\n

    They can be grown in the ground or in pots or containers – whatever your space allows you, as long as they get the maximum amount of sunlight.<\/p>\n

    Are Ground Cherries Good Eating?<\/h2>\n

    These little fruits are not only seriously cool-looking<\/a>, but they are also pretty yummy and versatile.<\/p>\n

    Ground cherries make a great little snack as they are, or you can use them in recipes like jams and crumbles as you would any other fruit.<\/p>\n

    Ground cherry fruits are also highly nutritious, containing good amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, <\/strong>and vitamin B3 <\/strong>(Niacin<\/strong>).<\/p>\n

    As long as you eat them only when they are ripe they will give you a good boost of health-giving nutrients.<\/p>\n

    Eating unripe ground cherries can cause an upset stomach, so make sure you only eat them when they are fully ripe.<\/p>\n

    How Many Ground Cherries Do You Get Per Plant?<\/h2>\n

    Unlike some plants that don\u2019t yield a lot, or only bear one or two fruits, ground cherries are heavy croppers.<\/p>\n

    You can expect to get as many as 300 fruits per plant, and they will continue to produce until the first few frosts have started to hit.<\/p>\n

    If you plant a few ground cherry plants, you can expect to be overrun with the delicious fruits. There are a lot worse fates than this!<\/p>\n

    These little plants self seed and self pollinate, so you may find that once you have planted one, you never need to buy more seeds.<\/p>\n

    If you have a bumper crop then it\u2019s a great idea to preserve some of the fruit in jams or other products that have a long shelf life.<\/p>\n

    Keeping your ground cherries this way means that you can continue to enjoy them long after the growing season is done.<\/p>\n

    When Should You Pick Ground Cherries?<\/h2>\n

    You can, of course, pick the fruits whenever you like – they make great decorations – but they are toxic if eaten before they are ready!<\/p>\n

    The good news is that you can ripen them at home in a bowl on the counter – just keep them warm, and check for mould developing.<\/p>\n

    You\u2019re looking out for when the outside husk – the papery covering of the fruit – goes dry, pale and crispy. This is the time for harvesting.<\/p>\n

    You may also find that some of the fruit falls from the plant, so make sure you check the ground below the plant for any windfalls.<\/p>\n

    This useful video shows you the best way to harvest your ground cherries at the right time:<\/p>\n