Ground Cherry (Husk Cherry) in Zone 3a & 3b
Physalis pruinosa
Yes, ground cherry (husk cherry) grows in zones 3a and 3b. Start seeds indoors Apr 11–Apr 18 and plant out Jun 20–Jun 27.
When to plant ground cherry (husk cherry) in zone 3b
Zones 3a and 3b 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 | Apr 11–Apr 18 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Jun 20–Jun 27 |
| Estimated harvest | Sep 5–Sep 12 (~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 3b
These go outside within two weeks of ground cherry (husk cherry) in zone 3b, so one planting day can cover them.
- TomatoJun 13–Jun 20
- Bush BeansJun 6–Jun 13
- Sweet CornJun 6–Jun 13
- CucumberJun 6–Jun 13
- ZucchiniJun 6–Jun 13
- Winter SquashJun 6–Jun 13
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 3's season
Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Ground cherry (husk cherry) needs about 77 days from transplant to first harvest.
Ground Cherry (Husk Cherry) planting windows in every zone
Zone 3b 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 (your zone) | 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 | 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 3b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Ground Cherry (Husk Cherry) in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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