Ground Cherry (Husk Cherry) in Zone 7a & 7b
Physalis pruinosa
Yes, ground cherry (husk cherry) grows in zones 7a and 7b. Start seeds indoors Feb 20–Feb 27 and plant out May 1–May 8.
When to plant ground cherry (husk cherry) in zone 7b
Zones 7a and 7b 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 | Feb 20–Feb 27 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 1–May 8 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 17–Jul 24 (~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 7b
These go outside within two weeks of ground cherry (husk cherry) in zone 7b, so one planting day can cover them.
- TomatoApr 24–May 1
- Bush BeansApr 17–Apr 24
- Sweet CornApr 17–Apr 24
- CucumberApr 17–Apr 24
- ZucchiniApr 17–Apr 24
- Winter SquashApr 17–Apr 24
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 7's season
Zone 7b's frost-free window runs about 198 days, from April 10 to October 25. Ground cherry (husk cherry) needs about 77 days from transplant to first harvest.
Ground Cherry (Husk Cherry) planting windows in every zone
Zone 7b 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 (your zone) | 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
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 7b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Ground Cherry (Husk Cherry) in USDA zone 7b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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