Where Can I Buy Ground Cherry Plants? (A Guide to the Best Sources)

Ground cherries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that is often overlooked. They are a relative of tomatoes and can be grown in most climates. But where can you buy ground cherry plants?

In this article, we will discuss where to buy ground cherry plants, how to grow them, and how to use them in your kitchen. We will also provide some tips on how to care for your plants and ensure a bountiful harvest.

So if you’re ready to learn more about these amazing fruits, keep reading!

Vendor Price Shipping
Johnny’s Seeds $3.95 Free shipping on orders over $50
Seeds Now $2.95 $5.95 for shipping
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds $4.95 $6.95 for shipping

Ground cherries (Physalis pruinosa), also known as cape gooseberries or husk tomatoes, are a delicious and versatile fruit that is easy to grow. They are native to Central and South America, but are now grown in many parts of the world. Ground cherries are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. They can be eaten fresh, cooked, or dried.

If you are looking to grow your own ground cherries, you will need to find a source for ground cherry plants. There are a few different places where you can buy ground cherry plants, including online retailers, nurseries, and garden centers.

In this article, we will discuss the different sources where you can buy ground cherry plants, as well as the pros and cons of each option. We will also provide tips for buying ground cherry plants, so that you can get the best possible results.

Online Sources

There are a number of online retailers that sell ground cherry plants. Some of the most popular retailers include:

  • Burpee
  • Johnny’s Seeds
  • Park Seed
  • Seedsman
  • True Leaf Market

When buying ground cherry plants online, you will need to consider a few factors, including:

  • The price of the plants
  • The shipping cost
  • The return policy
  • The germination rate

The price of ground cherry plants can vary significantly from one retailer to another. Some retailers sell ground cherry plants for as little as $2 per plant, while others sell them for as much as $10 per plant. The shipping cost will also vary depending on the retailer and the size of your order.

Most online retailers offer a return policy on their ground cherry plants. However, the terms of the return policy will vary from one retailer to another. It is important to read the return policy carefully before you make a purchase.

The germination rate of ground cherry plants can vary depending on the variety of ground cherry plant and the conditions in which the plants are grown. However, most ground cherry plants have a high germination rate.

Tips for Buying Ground Cherry Plants Online

When buying ground cherry plants online, there are a few things you can do to ensure that you get the best possible results:

  • Read the reviews of the online retailer before you make a purchase. This will give you an idea of the quality of the plants that the retailer sells and the customer service that they provide.
  • Check the germination rate of the ground cherry plants before you make a purchase. This will help you to determine how likely the plants are to grow successfully.
  • Ask the retailer about their return policy before you make a purchase. This will ensure that you can get a refund if the plants do not grow successfully.

Pros and Cons of Buying Ground Cherry Plants Online

There are a number of pros and cons to buying ground cherry plants online. Some of the pros of buying ground cherry plants online include:

  • Convenience: You can buy ground cherry plants online from the comfort of your own home.
  • Variety: Online retailers offer a wide variety of ground cherry plants to choose from.
  • Affordability: Online retailers often offer ground cherry plants at a lower price than nurseries and garden centers.

Some of the cons of buying ground cherry plants online include:

  • Shipping costs: You may have to pay shipping costs when you buy ground cherry plants online.
  • Germination rate: The germination rate of ground cherry plants can vary depending on the variety of ground cherry plant and the conditions in which the plants are grown.
  • Customer service: If you have any problems with your ground cherry plants, you may have difficulty getting in touch with the customer service department of the online retailer.

Local Sources

In addition to online retailers, you can also buy ground cherry plants from nurseries and garden centers. Some of the most common places to find ground cherry plants include:

  • Local nurseries
  • Garden centers
  • Farmers markets
  • Online classifieds

When buying ground cherry plants locally, you will need to consider a few factors, including:

  • The price of the plants
  • The variety of ground cherry plants available
  • The quality of the plants
  • The customer service

The price of ground cherry plants can vary significantly from one nursery or garden center to another. Some nurseries and garden centers sell ground cherry plants for as little as $2 per plant, while others sell them for as much as $10 per plant.

The variety of ground cherry plants available will also vary from one nursery or garden center to another. Some nurseries and garden centers only carry a few varieties of ground cherry plants, while others carry a wide variety of varieties.

The quality of the plants will also vary from one nursery or garden center to another. Some nurseries and garden centers take great care of their plants, while others do not.

3. Growing Ground Cherry Plants from Seed

Ground cherries are easy to grow from seed, and they can be started indoors or outdoors. If you’re starting your seeds indoors, you’ll need to start them about six weeks before the last frost date in your area.

To start ground cherry seeds indoors, you’ll need the following:

  • Seed starting mix
  • Small pots or seedling trays
  • Water
  • Grow lights (optional)

Once you have your supplies, follow these steps:

1. Fill the pots or seedling trays with seed starting mix.
2. Sow the seeds about 1 inch apart.
3. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of seed starting mix.
4. Water the seeds well.
5. Place the pots or seedling trays in a warm, sunny location.
6. Germination should occur in about two weeks.

Once the seedlings have sprouted, you can thin them out so that they are about 2 inches apart. You can also start hardening off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for a few hours each day.

Once the weather has warmed up and the danger of frost has passed, you can transplant the seedlings outdoors. Choose a spot in your garden that gets full sun and has well-drained soil. Dig a hole for each seedling that is twice the width and depth of the seedling’s root ball. Carefully remove the seedling from its pot and place it in the hole. Backfill the hole with soil and water well.

Ground cherry plants need regular watering, especially during dry periods. They also need to be fertilized once a month with a balanced fertilizer. To encourage fruit production, you can pinch off the flowers when they first appear.

Ground cherry plants will start to produce fruit about two months after transplanting. The fruits are small and round, and they have a yellow or orange skin. The flesh of the fruit is sweet and tangy, and it has a slight cherry flavor.

You can harvest ground cherries when they are ripe. The fruits will turn from green to yellow or orange when they are ripe. You can harvest the fruits by picking them off the stem.

Ground cherries can be eaten fresh, or they can be used in a variety of recipes. They can be added to salads, pies, jams, and jellies. Ground cherries can also be dried and used as a snack or in trail mix.

4. Harvesting and Storing Ground Cherries

Ground cherries are ready to harvest when they are ripe. The fruits will turn from green to yellow or orange when they are ripe. You can harvest the fruits by picking them off the stem.

Ground cherries can be eaten fresh, or they can be stored for later use. To store ground cherries, you can freeze them, dry them, or can them.

To freeze ground cherries, you will need to wash them and remove the stems. Place the cherries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for several hours. Once the cherries are frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer bag or container.

To dry ground cherries, you will need to wash them and remove the stems. Place the cherries in a dehydrator or on a baking sheet in a warm, dry place. Dry the cherries until they are leathery and dry. Once the cherries are dry, you can store them in a sealed container at room temperature.

To can ground cherries, you will need to wash them and remove the stems. Place the cherries in a canning jar and cover them with water. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to each jar to prevent the cherries from turning brown. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Once the jars are processed, you can store them in a cool, dry place.

Ground cherries are a delicious and versatile fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, dried, or canned. They are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Ground cherries are a delicious and easy-to-grow fruit that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Whether you grow them from seed or buy them from a nursery, ground cherries are a great addition to any garden.

Where can I buy ground cherry plants?

  • Answer: Ground cherry plants can be purchased online from a variety of retailers, including nurseries, garden centers, and online seed catalogs. You can also find ground cherry plants at local farmers markets or plant swaps.

What are the different types of ground cherry plants?

  • Answer: There are two main types of ground cherry plants: annual and perennial. Annual ground cherry plants produce fruit in one season and then die, while perennial ground cherry plants can live for multiple years and produce fruit each year.

What are the benefits of growing ground cherry plants?

  • Answer: Ground cherry plants are a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant option for gardeners of all skill levels. They are also a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

How do I grow ground cherry plants?

  • Answer: Ground cherry plants are easy to grow from seed. You can start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, or sow seeds directly in the garden after the soil has warmed up to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Ground cherry plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They will need to be watered regularly, but they are not tolerant of wet feet.

How do I harvest ground cherry plants?

  • Answer: Ground cherry fruits are ripe when they are soft and have a yellow or orange color. You can harvest ground cherries by gently twisting them off the stem.

How do I store ground cherry plants?

  • Answer: Ground cherry fruits can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze ground cherries for longer storage.

What are some recipes that use ground cherry plants?

  • Answer: Ground cherries can be used in a variety of recipes, including pies, jams, and compotes. They can also be added to salads, salsas, and smoothies.

    Ground cherry plants are a delicious and versatile addition to any garden. They are easy to grow and produce a bountiful harvest. You can find ground cherry plants at most garden centers and online retailers. When choosing a ground cherry plant, be sure to select one that is suited for your climate. Ground cherries are relatively pest-free, but they can be susceptible to powdery mildew. To prevent this, be sure to water your plants regularly and provide them with good air circulation. With a little care, you can enjoy a delicious harvest of ground cherries from your own backyard.

Here are some key takeaways to remember when growing ground cherry plants:

  • Ground cherries are easy to grow and produce a bountiful harvest.
  • Choose a ground cherry plant that is suited for your climate.
  • Water your plants regularly and provide them with good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.
  • Enjoy a delicious harvest of ground cherries from your own backyard!

Author Profile

Arthur Cook
Arthur Cook
Meet Arthur Cook, the heart and soul behind Plant4Harvest.com. Arthur’s story is deeply rooted in the rich soil of a small American town, where the horizon is wide, and the values of hard work and connection to the land run deep. Born and raised in the quaint town of Elkmont, Alabama, Arthur’s journey in agriculture began in the sprawling fields of his family’s farm, a stone’s throw away from the Tennessee border.

Arthur’s thirst for agricultural knowledge led him to Auburn University, where he majored in Agricultural Science. During his college years, Arthur dedicated his summers to working on local farms, gaining practical experience in modern farming techniques. His academic and real-world experiences combined to give him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in American agriculture.

Arthur Cook is more than just a farmer; he is an advocate for sustainable agriculture and a mentor to the next generation of farmers. Through Plant4Harvest.com, he continues to inspire, educate, and engage with a community of individuals who share his love for the land and commitment to preserving it for future generations.