Ground Cherry (Husk Cherry) in Zone 10a & 10b
Physalis pruinosa
Yes, ground cherry (husk cherry) grows in zones 10a and 10b. Start seeds indoors Dec 12–Dec 19 and plant out Feb 20–Feb 27.
When to plant ground cherry (husk cherry) in zone 10b
Zones 10a and 10b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. It needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Dec 12–Dec 19 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Feb 20–Feb 27 |
| Estimated harvest | May 8–May 15 (~77 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: about 2 square feet per plant (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 2-3 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 10b
These go outside within two weeks of ground cherry (husk cherry) in zone 10b, so one planting day can cover them.
- Bush BeansMar–Apr
- Winter SquashMar
- Lima BeanFeb 20–Feb 27
- TomatilloFeb 20–Feb 27
- YaconFeb 20–Feb 27
- AchiraFeb 13–Feb 20
Ground cherry (also sold as husk cherry) is another Physalis relative of the tomatillo, but sweet instead of tart, the small, golden fruit inside its papery husk tastes something like a cross between pineapple and tomato.
How ground cherry (husk cherry) fits zone 10's season
Zone 10b's frost-free window runs about 324 days, from January 30 to December 20. Ground cherry (husk cherry) needs about 77 days from transplant to first harvest.
Ground Cherry (Husk Cherry) planting windows in every zone
Zone 10b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b | Apr 11–Apr 18 | Jun 20–Jun 27 | Sep 5–Sep 12 |
| 4a & 4b | Mar 27–Apr 3 | Jun 5–Jun 12 | Aug 21–Aug 28 |
| 5a & 5b | Mar 22–Mar 29 | May 31–Jun 7 | Aug 16–Aug 23 |
| 6a & 6b | Mar 7–Mar 14 | May 16–May 23 | Aug 1–Aug 8 |
| 7a & 7b | Feb 20–Feb 27 | May 1–May 8 | Jul 17–Jul 24 |
| 8a & 8b | Feb 4–Feb 11 | Apr 15–Apr 22 | Jul 1–Jul 8 |
| 9a & 9b | Dec 28–Jan 4 | Mar 8–Mar 15 | May 24–May 31 |
| 10a & 10b (your zone) | Dec 12–Dec 19 | Feb 20–Feb 27 | May 8–May 15 |
| 11a & 11b | Nov 13–Nov 20 | Jan 22–Jan 29 | Apr 9–Apr 16 |
Harvest dates are about 77 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
No well-established companions for ground cherry (husk cherry).
Where to buy ground cherry seeds
High Mowing Organic Seeds (each supplier's ground cherry seeds)
Varieties we recommend, and where to get them:
- Goldie (Physalis pruinosa): Johnny's organic Goldie strain is bred to branch heavily and set fruit in volume rather than just sprawl, which matters more than usual here since you're picking fruit up off the ground, not off the plant. Buy: High Mowing Organic Seeds Full notes
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing ground cherry (husk cherry)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 10b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Ground Cherry (Husk Cherry) in USDA zone 10b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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