Ground cherry (husk cherry) Physalis pruinosa
Ground cherry (husk cherry) (Physalis pruinosa) is an annual fruit plant in the Solanaceae family, native to Eastern and central North America and Central America. It grows 50–90 cm (20–35 in) tall and 80 cm–1 m (31 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
Plan Ground cherry (husk cherry) in your garden →
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Ground cherry (husk cherry) at a glance
| Type | Annual fruit plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Mature height | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 80 cm–1 m (31 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | about 6–8 weeks after planting, for 10–16 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 90 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: ripe fruit (husk removed) |
| Native to | Eastern and central North America and Central America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Ground cherry (husk cherry) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: foliage, husk, unripe fruit
Leaves and unripe fruit contain solanine-type alkaloids that can upset the stomach; only the ripe husked fruit is eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Ground cherry (husk cherry)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Florence fennel: Fennel releases growth-inhibiting compounds from roots and foliage; lab and garden reports show poorer growth of tomato, pepper and other nearby crops, so keep it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Smoke tree: Smoke tree is very susceptible to Verticillium wilt, which persists in soil after tomato, potato or aubergine crops; avoid planting it where those crops have wilted. Evidence C
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress tomatoes, peppers and many other vegetables nearby; grow it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Nightshades: Nightshades share late blight, early blight, Verticillium wilt and Colorado potato beetle; mix with other families and rotate the bed. Evidence B
- avoid With Potato: Potatoes are the main source of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) that spreads to tomatoes and other nightshades within a few metres. Evidence B
- caution With Sunflower: Sunflower residues and roots release phenolic compounds that can slow nearby seedlings; transplants are less affected. Evidence C
Shared pests and diseases
- Late blight: Late blight spreads by wind-borne spores between potatoes, tomatoes and their relatives. Evidence B
Questions about Ground cherry (husk cherry)
- How far apart should I plant Ground cherry (husk cherry)?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 80 cm–1 m (31 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Ground cherry (husk cherry) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Ground cherry (husk cherry) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Ground cherry (husk cherry)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Ground cherry (husk cherry) flower?
- About 6–8 weeks after planting, for 10–16 weeks.
- Is Ground cherry (husk cherry) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Leaves and unripe fruit contain solanine-type alkaloids that can upset the stomach; only the ripe husked fruit is eaten.
- What grows well with Ground cherry (husk cherry)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Ground cherry (husk cherry). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Fruit drops to the ground when ripe and is gathered from beneath the plant.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Eggplant (aubergine) Solanum melongena
- Chili pepper Capsicum annuum (hot types)
- Petunia Petunia x hybrida
- Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica