Varieties We Bring In
Yellow
Standard
We received some Ground Cherry on Aug 4, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
Last received Aug 4, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
Pet toxicity: not on file, check before planting where pets chew
Pet safety guideAbout Ground Cherry
Ground Cherry (Physalis pruinosa) is a compact, tender perennial in the nightshade family bearing small, sweet fruits enclosed in papery lantern-like husks. Native to the Americas, the sprawling plants produce golden-yellow berries with a flavor reminiscent of vanilla and pineapple. Often grown as an edible annual, it is prized in home gardens and specialty food production.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Annual
- Soil
- Loam, Sandy, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended months: March, April, May, September, October, November.
Seasonal care
New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Grow Ground Cherry in full sun — a minimum of 6–8 hours of direct sun — for best fruiting. In NE Florida, full sun exposure during the warm season produces the highest yields.
Water consistently to maintain moderate soil moisture; deep, infrequent watering is preferred over frequent shallow irrigation. In NE Florida's rainy summers, ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot; reduce irrigation during wet periods.
Plant in well-drained loamy or sandy loam soil amended with compost. In NE Florida, start transplants indoors in late January and set out after last frost risk (typically February–March). Apply a balanced vegetable fertilizer at planting and side-dress lightly at mid-season; avoid excess nitrogen which delays fruiting.
Similar needs
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Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Aster
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Atamasco Lily
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Blazing Star
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Blue Mistflower
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Common questions
Is Ground Cherry a good plant for St. Augustine?
Ground Cherry is a perennial. Mature size: 1.5-2.5 feet × 2-3 feet. Light: Full Sun. Water needs: Moderate. Ground Cherry is native to Florida. Recorded hardiness zone: 9a.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.