GELTOWER GROUND CHERRY

Physalis pruinosa

Brought to our attention by permaculture guru Siegfried Tatschl, this selection is very different from the ground cherries that we have grown previously. Not only are the fruits even larger than Aunt Molly's, the plants themselves are absolutely huge in comparison. Plants grew upwards of 4' in our garden! Not at all what we've come to expect from common American selections of this species, which typically grow laterally rather than vertically.

The tall open habit of these plants make harvesting ripe fallen fruits fairly easy. Like most members of the genus, they produce tons of fruit. And the flavor is sublime: subtly sweet and aromatic. There is a perfumed quality that is difficult to describe, and a notable lack of the bitter tomato flavor that plagues other selections. The color, too, is exceptionally elegant.

Start seeds indoors about six weeks before the last frost: sow seeds just below surface of moist soil; mist with warm water; cover with plastic to maintain moisture and temperature; kept warm (80°F) and moist in bright light seeds will germinate within a week or two. Prick out seedlings to grow on in individual 3" pots in bright light at warm room temperature. Transplant outdoors in full sun when nighttime temperatures remain above 55°F. First ripe fruits in about 65 days.

As with all ground cherries, ripe fruits fall from the plant. Harvest cherries from the ground, never the plant.

Give this selection plenty of space in the garden. Cages are not necessary, but sun and good air circulation is.

Grown by Farmacie Isolde.

Packet contains at least 30 seeds.