Grow Ground Cherries in Containers: The Ultimate Guide
What To Know
- Ground cherries, also known as husk cherries or “tomatillos” (not to be confused with the Mexican tomatillo), offer a unique, sweet-tart flavor that’s perfect for jams, pies, and even cocktails.
- This guide will walk you through the steps of how to grow ground cherries in containers, bringing the sweetness of this unusual fruit right to your patio or balcony.
- Growing ground cherries in containers is a rewarding experience, offering the satisfaction of nurturing a unique fruit and enjoying its sweet, unusual flavor.
Ground cherries, also known as husk cherries or “tomatillos” (not to be confused with the Mexican tomatillo), offer a unique, sweet-tart flavor that’s perfect for jams, pies, and even cocktails. These fascinating fruits, encased in papery husks, are surprisingly easy to grow, even if you lack a traditional garden. This guide will walk you through the steps of how to grow ground cherries in containers, bringing the sweetness of this unusual fruit right to your patio or balcony.
Choosing the Right Container and Location
The first step in growing ground cherries in containers is selecting the right vessel. Ground cherries are vigorous growers, so you’ll need a container that’s at least 12 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep. A larger pot is always better, especially if you’re planting multiple plants.
- Material: Choose a container made from a material that drains well, such as terracotta, plastic, or metal. Avoid containers that hold too much moisture, as this can lead to root rot.
- Drainage: Ensure your container has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
- Sunlight: Ground cherries thrive in full sun, so choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Preparing the Soil
Ground cherries need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use a commercial potting mix or create your own blend.
- DIY Soil Mix: Combine equal parts potting soil, compost, and perlite or vermiculite. This mixture provides excellent drainage and aeration.
- Soil Amendments: You can also add a handful of slow-release fertilizer to the soil mix for extra nutrients.
Planting Ground Cherry Seeds or Starts
You can start ground cherries from seeds or purchase seedlings from a nursery.
- Starting from Seeds: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and keep the soil consistently moist. Once seedlings have a few true leaves, transplant them into individual pots.
- Planting Starts: When temperatures are consistently above 60°F, you can transplant your seedlings outdoors. Space the plants 12-18 inches apart in your container.
Watering and Feeding
Ground cherries prefer consistent moisture but are also susceptible to root rot.
- Watering: Water your plants deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
- Fertilizing: Feed your ground cherries every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label for the correct dosage.
Supporting the Plants
As ground cherries grow, they can become quite sprawling. To prevent them from flopping over, provide support for the plants.
- Cages: You can use tomato cages or other sturdy supports to help the plants grow upright.
- Trellises: A trellis is another option, especially if you want to create a vertical garden.
Harvesting Ground Cherries
Ground cherries are ready to harvest when the papery husks turn brown and papery. To harvest, gently twist the fruit off the stem.
- Storage: Store harvested ground cherries in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Enjoying the Sweetness of Your Harvest
Ground cherries are a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in many ways.
- Fresh: Enjoy them fresh, adding a burst of sweet-tart flavor to salads or yogurt parfaits.
- Cooked: Use ground cherries in jams, pies, chutneys, or even salsa. Their unique flavor adds a touch of intrigue to any dish.
- Pickled: Pickle ground cherries for a tangy and delicious snack.
Beyond the Harvest: A Final Thought
Growing ground cherries in containers is a rewarding experience, offering the satisfaction of nurturing a unique fruit and enjoying its sweet, unusual flavor. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy the bounty of this fascinating fruit, even without a traditional garden.
What You Need to Know
1. What are the best varieties of ground cherries for container gardening?
There are many varieties of ground cherries, but some of the most popular for container growing include:
- Golden Berry: This variety produces golden-yellow fruits with a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Husky: This variety produces large, red fruits with a sweet and slightly tart flavor.
- Strawberry: This variety produces small, red fruits with a sweet and slightly tart flavor.
2. Can ground cherries be grown in partial shade?
While ground cherries prefer full sun, they can tolerate some partial shade. However, they will produce fewer fruits if they don’t receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
3. Do ground cherries attract pests?
Ground cherries are generally pest-resistant, but they can be susceptible to aphids and whiteflies. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests.
4. What are some common diseases that affect ground cherries?
Ground cherries can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, make sure your plants have good air circulation and avoid overwatering.
5. How long does it take for ground cherries to mature?
Ground cherries typically take 60-80 days to mature from seed. However, this can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions.