Drott’s Yellow Ground Cherry is a burst of tropical fruitiness in your backyard. Its small orange-yellow berries are very sweet and fruity. Drott’s Yellow Ground Cherry was found growing on the property of the family home of Albert Drotts of Minneapolis. It was donated to the Seed Savers Exchange (USA), which is where our seed comes from. We like its northern hardiness and very compact size– it only gets to be about 1 foot in height, a great choice for smaller spaces and containers.
What’s the difference between Cape Gooseberry and Ground Cherry? Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) is native to the Andes (South America) and its fruit is larger in size. Physalis pruinosa (Ground Cherry) is native to North and Central America.
And the similarities? Both Cape Gooseberry and Ground Cherry plants conveniently wrap up each fruit in its own ‘paper bag’ to protect it from the elements. Wait for the husks to turn papery yellow-brown and fall to the ground for peak maturity and sweetness. You can also give the plant a gentle shake to release the husks. Unwrap and eat the fruit inside.
How to Plant: Similar to tomatoes start indoors 8 weeks before the date of last frost. Sow seeds 5 mm (¼ inch) deep in individual pots. A heat mat will help germination, but Physalis species can take 1-3 weeks to germinate. Transplant outside when nighttime temperatures are consistently 10C or warmer. Drott’s Yellow Ground Cherry does well in the garden or a 5 gallon container.
