GROUND CHERRY

Ground cherry flowers are bell-shaped and white to yellow with purple centers. Fruits grow inside of lantern-shaped husks that turn from green to tan and take on a papery texture when the berry inside is ripe.If the leaves and flowers look familiar, that’s because these plants are related to eggplants and tomatoes. In fact, they are sometimes referred to as “husk tomatoes.”Most seed companies recommend starting the seeds indoors rather than direct sowing. But the ease with which these seeds grow as volunteers is proof that direct sowing is certainly an option.If you do choose to direct sow, plant seeds after your last frost. Loosen the soil and work in some compost. Moisten the soil then pat it down gently without compressing it.

Place your seeds on top of the soil and then cover lightly with a thin layer of soil, about 1/4 inch. Pat soil gently. Water after planting seeds, and then daily with a gentle spray from your watering wand until the seeds are established.

Seeds should germinate in approximately five to eight days. Ground cherry seeds have a low germination rate, so plant more than you need.