Ground Cherry (Husk Cherry) in Zone 10a & 10b
Physalis pruinosa
When to plant ground cherry (husk cherry) in zone 10b
Zones 10a and 10b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. Ground Cherry (Husk Cherry) 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.

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.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Ground Cherry (Husk Cherry).
Where to buy ground cherry seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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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 · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · 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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