Ground Cherry (Husk Cherry) in Zone 9a & 9b

Physalis pruinosa

When to plant ground cherry (husk cherry) in zone 9b

Zones 9a and 9b 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.

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 9's season

Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 5. 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

• Botanical Interests
• True Leaf Market
• Burpee
• High Mowing Organic 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 9b 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 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.

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