Where to Buy Ground Cherry Plants (With Tips for Growing Your Own)

Ground cherries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that is often overlooked. They are a relative of the tomato, and they have a similar flavor, but with a hint of sweetness. Ground cherries are also known as cape gooseberries, husk cherries, or physalis.

They are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. Ground cherries are also low in calories and fat.

If you are looking for a healthy and delicious fruit to add to your diet, ground cherries are a great option. They are easy to grow, and they can be found at many nurseries and garden centers.

In this article, we will discuss where to buy ground cherry plants, how to grow them, and how to use them in recipes.

We will also provide some tips on how to identify ground cherries, so that you can be sure that you are getting the real deal.

Website	Price	Shipping
Burpee	$5.99	$5.99
Gardeners.com	$4.99	$4.99
Home Depot	$6.98	$5.98

Ground cherries (Physalis pruinosa), also known as cape gooseberries or husk tomatoes, are a delicious and nutritious fruit that is native to Central and South America. They are a member of the nightshade family, and their fruits are enclosed in a papery husk. Ground cherries are typically about the size of a golf ball, and they have a sweet, tangy flavor that is similar to a cross between a tomato and a cherry.

Ground cherries are a versatile fruit that can be eaten fresh, dried, or cooked. They are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. Ground cherries are also a good source of minerals, including potassium, magnesium, and iron.

If you are looking to grow your own ground cherries, you can start by purchasing plants from an online retailer or a local nursery. You can also find ground cherry seeds at some garden centers.

Online Sources

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

• Burpee
• Johnny’s Selected Seeds
• Park Seed
• Seeds Now
• True Leaf Market

When choosing an online retailer, it is important to make sure that they are reputable and that they sell high-quality plants. You should also check the shipping policies to make sure that the plants will arrive in good condition.

Here are some tips for choosing a reputable online retailer:

• Read reviews of the retailer before you make a purchase.
• Make sure the retailer has a good return policy.
• Check the website for information about the plants, including their size, growing conditions, and harvesting times.

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 include:

• Convenience: You can order ground cherry plants online and have them delivered to your door. This is a great option if you do not have a local nursery that sells ground cherry plants.
• Variety: Online retailers typically offer a wider variety of ground cherry plants than local nurseries. This means that you can find plants that are not available at your local nursery.
• Price: Online retailers often offer ground cherry plants at a lower price than local nurseries. This can be a great way to save money on your ground cherry plants.

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

• Shipping: Ground cherry plants can be fragile, and they may be damaged during shipping. If you are concerned about shipping damage, you may want to choose a retailer that offers expedited shipping.
• Returns: Some online retailers do not offer returns on plants. If you are not satisfied with your ground cherry plants, you may not be able to return them.
• Customer service: Some online retailers have poor customer service. If you have a problem with your ground cherry plants, you may have difficulty getting help from the retailer.

Local Sources

In addition to online retailers, you can also find ground cherry plants at local nurseries and garden centers. Some of the best places to look for ground cherry plants include:

• Local nurseries
• Garden centers
• Farmers markets
• Community gardens

When choosing a local source for ground cherry plants, it is important to make sure that the plants are healthy and vigorous. You should also check the growing conditions to make sure that the plants will thrive in your area.

Here are some tips for finding a local source for ground cherry plants:

• Ask friends and family for recommendations.
• Check the websites of local nurseries and garden centers.
• Visit local farmers markets and community gardens.

Pros and cons of buying ground cherry plants locally

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

• Convenience: You can usually find ground cherry plants at local nurseries and garden centers. This means that you do not have to wait for your plants to be shipped.
• Quality: Local nurseries and garden centers typically have a good selection of healthy and vigorous ground cherry plants.
• Customer service: Local nurseries and garden centers typically have good customer service. If you have a problem with your ground cherry plants, you can usually get help from the nursery or garden center.

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

• Price: Ground cherry plants can be more expensive at local nurseries and garden centers than online retailers.
• Variety: Local nurseries and garden centers typically do not have as wide a variety of ground cherry plants as online retailers.
• Availability: Ground cherry plants may not be available at all local nurseries and garden centers.

Whether you choose to buy ground cherry plants online or locally, there are a number of factors to consider. The best way to choose the

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 them indoors, sow the seeds about 6 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Sow the seeds in a seedling tray filled with a well-draining potting mix. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and water them well. The seedlings will emerge in about 2-3 weeks.

Once the seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves, you can transplant them outdoors. Space the plants about 2 feet apart. Ground cherries can tolerate some frost, but it’s best to wait until the weather has warmed up to transplant them.

Ground cherry plants are relatively low-maintenance. They need full sun and well-draining soil. Water them regularly, but don’t overwater them. Ground cherries are drought-tolerant, but they will produce more fruit if they are watered regularly.

Ground cherry plants will start to produce fruit about 8-10 weeks after transplanting them outdoors. The fruits are small, round, and orange-yellow in color. They have a sweet, tangy flavor that is similar to a cherry tomato.

You can harvest ground cherries when they are ripe. The fruits will turn from green to orange-yellow when they are ripe. To harvest the fruits, simply pick them off the vine.

Ground cherries can be eaten fresh, or they can be used in a variety of recipes. They can be added to salads, salsas, or chutneys. They can also be dried or canned for later use.

4. Harvesting and Storing Ground Cherry Fruits

Ground cherry fruits are ripe when they are orange-yellow in color. The fruits will start to fall off the vine when they are ripe. To harvest the fruits, simply pick them off the vine.

Ground cherries can be eaten fresh, or they can be stored for later use. To store the fruits, place them in a paper bag and store them in a cool, dry place. The fruits will keep for several weeks when stored properly.

Ground cherries can also be dried or canned for later use. To dry the fruits, spread them out on a baking sheet and place them in a warm, dry place. The fruits will be dry when they are leathery and have lost their moisture. To can the fruits, place them in a sterilized jar and cover them with a boiling water bath. The fruits will be canned when they have cooled completely.

Ground cherries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that is easy to grow. They can be grown from seed, and they are relatively low-maintenance. Ground cherries can be eaten fresh, or they can be stored for later use.

Where can I buy ground cherry plants?

• Ground cherry plants can be purchased online from a variety of retailers, including Amazon, Etsy, and Burpee.
• You can also find ground cherry plants at local nurseries and garden centers.
• When buying ground cherry plants, be sure to choose a reputable seller that offers healthy, vigorous plants.

What are the different varieties of ground cherry plants?

• There are over 100 different varieties of ground cherry plants, each with its own unique characteristics.
• Some of the most popular varieties include the “Everbearing” ground cherry, the “Cherokee Purple” ground cherry, and the “Russian Giant” ground cherry.
• When choosing a variety of ground cherry plant, consider the climate in your area, the amount of space you have, and your personal preferences.

How do I grow ground cherry plants?

• Ground cherry plants are relatively easy to grow, but they do require some basic care.
• Ground cherry plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
• They can be grown in containers or in the ground.
• Ground cherry plants should be watered regularly, but not overwatered.
• They should be fertilized monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
• Ground cherry plants can be harvested when the fruits are ripe and have turned a deep orange color.

How do I use ground cherry plants?

• Ground cherry fruits can be eaten fresh, cooked, or dried.
• They can be used in a variety of dishes, including pies, jams, and jellies.
• Ground cherry leaves can also be eaten, and they have a slightly peppery flavor.
• Ground cherry plants are a valuable addition to any garden, and they can provide you with delicious and nutritious fruits.

What are the benefits of eating ground cherry plants?

• Ground cherry fruits are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K.
• They are also a good source of fiber, potassium, and magnesium.
• Ground cherry fruits have antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells from damage.
• Ground cherry plants are also a good source of pollen, which can help to improve pollinator health.

What are the risks of eating ground cherry plants?

• There are no known risks associated with eating ground cherry plants.
• However, it is important to note that ground cherry fruits contain a compound called tomatine, which can be toxic to dogs.
• If you have a dog, it is important to keep ground cherry fruits out of reach.

  Ground cherry plants are a relatively easy-to-grow and low-maintenance crop that can be enjoyed by both novice and experienced gardeners alike. They are also a great source of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any diet. When choosing a ground cherry plant, it is important to consider the climate in which you will be growing it, as well as the size of the plant and the amount of fruit you want to produce. Ground cherry plants can be purchased from a variety of online retailers and garden centers. Be sure to do your research before making a purchase, so that you can choose the best plant for your needs.

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

• Ground cherry plants are relatively easy to grow and require little maintenance.
• They are a great source of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
• When choosing a ground cherry plant, it is important to consider the climate in which you will be growing it, as well as the size of the plant and the amount of fruit you want to produce.
• Ground cherry plants can be purchased from a variety of online retailers and garden centers.