Description
25 Seeds per pack
(Physalis pruinosa) 60-80 days This close relative of the tomatillo has a delightfully tropical taste, sweet, with a pineapple like flavor, a favorite among children. Ground Cherries are delicious fresh, but also are great in pies, preserves, hot dessert toppings, and even in salads, or on pizza for those who like pineapple on their pizza! Short plants, 12-18″, produce large yields of bite sized fruits, golden-yellow in color at maturity, paper husk covering fruit will turn tan at maturity. Branches spread laterally, choking out weeds, and bushes have been known in some conditions to be large enough to require staking. A true heirloom, recorded as early as 1837 in Pennsylvania. A neat plant to grow, we have really enjoyed them!
Caution: Do not eat immature Ground Cherries as they are poisonous, containing the same compound as green potatoes, also dangerous to eat. Both are of the nightshade family. Wait until papery husks turn light tan in color to eat Ground Cherries.
Planting Instructions for Ground Cherry Seeds
May be direct seed Heirloom / Open Pollinated Ground Cherry in long season climates, otherwise it is recommended to start indoors 4-6 weeks. before last frost date. When direct seeding Heirloom / Open Pollinated Ground Cherry, plant 0.25″ deep. Plant in full sun or with afternoon shade in hot climates. Thin Ground Cherry to 12-24″ apart. Give an average water supply. Ground Cherry plants are self supporting, but do sprawl, so caging or trellising is recommended in small Heirloom / Open Pollinated Vegetable Gardens. Ground Cherry Fruits are mature when husks are light tan, and fruits fall from plant.
Do not eat immature Heirloom / Open Pollinated Ground Cherries, as they contain a toxic compound!
FAQ:
What are the characteristics of the Cossack Pineapple Ground Cherry?
The Cossack Pineapple Ground Cherry is an heirloom variety that produces bite-sized, golden-yellow fruits encased in a papery husk. The plants are short, reaching 12-18 inches in height, and have a sprawling habit. They are known for their large yields and sweet, pineapple-like flavor.
How should I plant Cossack Pineapple Ground Cherry seeds?
In long-season climates, you can direct seed the ground cherries by planting them 0.25 inches deep in full sun or with afternoon shade in hot climates. Thin the plants to 12-24 inches apart. In shorter-season climates, it's recommended to start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.
Do Cossack Pineapple Ground Cherry plants require support?
While the plants are self supporting, they tend to sprawl. In small gardens, caging or trellising is recommended to manage their growth and keep the fruits off the ground.
When are the fruits ready to harvest?
The fruits are mature when the husks turn light tan, and the fruits naturally fall from the plant. It's important to wait until this stage, as immature ground cherries contain toxic compounds.
How can Cossack Pineapple Ground Cherries be used in cooking?
These ground cherries are delicious when eaten fresh and can also be used in pies, preserves, hot dessert toppings, salads, or even on pizza for those who enjoy a pineapple flavor.
FT (verified owner) –
I ordered these three years ago and then again this year. Each packet I have ordered has had a good germination rate. The taste is wonderful!
Jess H (verified owner) –
I received this for Spring/Summer of 2024 and I never saw any growth. I was very disappointed and really wish that it had worked.
karen bergerson (verified owner) –
5 star!
Julie D. (verified owner) –
Planted indoors and seeing small sprouts. Still waiting for last frost, but excited to see these grow. Has LD some from the grocery store last year and they are very tasty!
Deborah H. (verified owner) –
These seeds grew quickly and are beautiful.