The Best Soil and Fertilizer Tips for Thriving Ground Cherry Plants: Expert Guide

If you want to grow ground cherries that are sweet and full of flavor, the secret is in the soil and fertilizer you use. Ground cherry plants thrive best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. Giving them what they need from the start will help you avoid many problems later.

Choosing the right fertilizer and knowing how often to feed your plants is just as important as picking the correct soil. Good soil preparation, smart planting, and regular care can mean the difference between a small crop and a basket full of golden fruit. For more detailed tips, gardening tricks, and step-by-step instructions, don’t miss out on the helpful guide “Ground Cherry Gold”—available now on Amazon.

Key Takeaways

• Use rich, well-draining soil for healthy ground cherry plants.
• Feed with balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks.
• Proper watering and spacing stop disease and boost your harvest.

Understanding Ground Cherry Plants

Ground cherries are unique fruiting plants with special needs and benefits. Knowing their background, family, and health qualities can help you have a better growing experience.

What Are Ground Cherries?

Ground cherries are small, sweet fruits enclosed in a papery husk. The most common types in home gardens are Physalis pruinosa and Physalis peruviana. You might also hear them called husk tomato, strawberry tomato, goldenberry, or cape gooseberry.

These plants produce yellow to orange fruits that drop to the ground when ripe. They have a tangy flavor, sometimes described as a mix between pineapple and tomato. Ground cherries are often eaten raw, made into jam, or baked into pies.

Growing ground cherries is simple once you understand their needs. They prefer full sun, well-drained soil, and steady moisture. Fruit appears in late summer to early fall, wrapped in its husk, ensuring the fruit stays clean and protected until you pick it. Their ability to be grown both in the ground and in containers adds to their appeal for home gardeners. You can find more details about their growth stages in this step-by-step guide to ground cherries.

Botanical Relations and Names

Ground cherries belong to the nightshade family, or Solanaceae. This family also includes tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Gardeners may notice that ground cherry plants have similar leaf shapes and growth habits to other nightshades.

The scientific name is important because “ground cherry” is used for several species in the Physalis genus. Physalis pruinosa is the common garden ground cherry, while Physalis peruviana is better known as cape gooseberry or goldenberry. Certain types are also called husk cherries. Here’s a reference table for clarity:

Knowing their family ties helps with care, since ground cherries will respond to similar soil and care practices as tomatoes.

Health and Safety Considerations

Ground cherries offer nutritional benefits. They are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, and also provide antioxidants and fiber. Their sweet and tangy taste makes them a great snack or ingredient in recipes.

However, you should not eat unripe ground cherries or their leaves, as these parts contain solanine, a natural toxin found in the nightshade family. Always make sure the fruit is yellow or orange before eating.

Store ripe ground cherries at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for a longer shelf life. For more tips about health benefits, look at this ground cherry plant guide.

To learn even more about growing and using ground cherries, check out the ebook “Ground Cherry Gold” on Amazon for a complete guide with step-by-step advice.

Optimal Soil Conditions for Ground Cherries

Ground cherries grow best with specific soil needs, thriving in loose, nutrient-rich environments. Choosing the right soil texture, pH, and drainage helps you avoid common problems like root rot, weak growth, and disappointing fruit.

Importance of Well-Drained Soil

Ground cherry plants must have well-drained soil to prevent their roots from sitting in water. When water is trapped, it can cause root rot, yellowing leaves, and even plant death. Well-drained conditions keep oxygen flowing to the roots and promote healthy nutrient uptake. You can test your drainage by digging a small hole, filling it with water, and checking that it drains within a few hours.

Heavy clay soils or compacted areas are not good for growing ground cherries. If your garden soil is dense, you can add sand, fine gravel, or plenty of compost to make the ground looser. Using raised beds also helps you control drainage, especially in rainy climates. Make sure the planting spot is never soggy after it rains to give your ground cherries the best chance at a strong start. Learn more about soil and drainage in this easy care, ideal lighting & soil guide.

Recommended Soil pH and Texture

Aim for soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5, which is slightly acidic and best for ground cherry roots. The ideal soil texture is loose and crumbly, often called sandy loam or loamy sand. This type of soil makes it easy for water and nutrients to reach the roots while allowing excess moisture to drain away.

Sandy loam contains a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay with lots of organic matter. If you don’t know your soil pH, you can buy cheap testing kits online or at local garden centers. If the pH is too high (alkaline), adding peat moss or sulfur can help lower it. If too low (acidic), a small amount of garden lime can raise the pH. Balanced soil texture and pH give you healthier plants and bigger harvests. Full soil recommendations can be found in this ground cherry plant care guide.

Improving Native Soil for Best Results

If your soil is heavy, rocky, or clay-based, start by removing large stones and breaking up any compacted dirt before you plant. Mix in at least 2-3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve both drainage and fertility. For very heavy soils, adding coarse sand can loosen the mixture and boost aeration.

Here is a simple checklist for improving native soil:

• Add organic matter: Compost, leaf mold, or aged manure.
• Mix in sand: Use coarse sand (not play sand) for better drainage.
• Double-dig: Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches for deeper root growth.
• Mulch: Place straw or leaf mulch on top to protect soil moisture.

With these steps, you boost water movement, feed beneficial soil microbes, and give your ground cherry plants a healthy start. For advanced tips and harvest secrets, check out my ebook Ground Cherry Gold.

Preparing Soil for Planting

Healthy ground cherry plants start with soil that is rich, balanced, and well-prepared. By checking and improving your soil, adding the right materials, and managing moisture, you give your plants the best chance to grow strong and bear fruit.

Soil Testing and Amendment

Testing your garden soil before planting is important. Use a simple soil test kit to check pH, which should be between 6.0 and 6.8 for ground cherries. The test will also show nutrient levels like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

If your soil is lacking, add the correct amendments. For acidic soil, use lime to raise the pH; for alkaline soil, add sulfur to bring it down. Blend in balanced organic or slow-release fertilizers if test results show low nutrients. Look for signs of poor soil, like compacted texture or slow drainage, and fix these by mixing in sand or organic materials.

Keep records of your test results and amendments in a journal or garden notebook. This helps you remember what worked and make better choices next season. Reliable soil testing and amendment practices are a must for vigorous ground cherries. For specific tips on testing, amending, and troubleshooting, visit this guide on soil preparation for planting.

Using Compost and Organic Matter

Compost plays a huge role in building rich, healthy soil for ground cherries. Well-rotted compost adds nutrients, improves soil structure, and supports good drainage. Before planting, use a shovel or rake to mix 2-3 inches of compost into the top 6-8 inches of your garden bed.

If you have access to aged manure, leaf mold, or other organic matter, these can be mixed in as well. Avoid using fresh manure, as it can burn young roots and cause problems with fruiting.

Organic matter not only boosts fertility, but it also increases water retention and helps roots grow deep. Regular composting is also a sustainable way to recycle yard and kitchen waste. For solid advice on the benefits of compost and how to best use it, check out how to amend and fertilize garden soil.

Mulching Techniques

After planting your ground cherries, cover the soil with mulch to keep it cool, damp, and free of weeds. Organic mulch, such as straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips, works best. Spread a 2-3 inch layer around each plant, making sure to leave space at the base to prevent rot.

Mulch keeps soil moist, cuts down on watering, and stops weed seeds from growing. It also breaks down slowly, adding even more organic matter over time. Good mulching not only helps your plants but also builds better soil year after year.

For a practical step-by-step guide to mulching and soil moisture control, see these expert soil preparation tips.

To learn more about growing top-quality ground cherries and get tried-and-true tips for soil building, check out “Ground Cherry Gold” on Amazon.

Choosing the Right Fertilizer

Picking the best fertilizer helps your ground cherry plants grow strong and produce juicy fruit. The kind of fertilizer, how it releases nutrients, and when you apply it can all make a big difference.

Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilizers

For ground cherry plants, organic fertilizers like compost, well-rotted manure, and fish emulsion add nutrients to the soil slowly. They also improve soil texture and boost helpful microbes.

Organic options are less likely to cause root burn but can be slower to show results. They are a great choice if you want steady, natural growth and healthier soil over time.

Synthetic fertilizers are made with chemical nutrients. They feed plants quickly and are easy to measure. Look for balanced formulas or ones high in phosphorus and potassium to support fruit. Use them carefully, since overuse can cause salt buildup or fertilizer burn. If you want to learn even more about growing methods, grab a copy of “Ground Cherry Gold” for step-by-step help.

Learn more about choosing between organic and synthetic fertilizers.

Continuous-Release and Water-Soluble Fertilizers

Continuous-release fertilizers (granular or pellet form) provide nutrients over several weeks. They work well if you prefer a low-maintenance approach and want to feed your plants gradually over time.

A water-soluble fertilizer dissolves in water and is applied as a liquid. This type is absorbed fast, letting your ground cherry plants get a boost right away during key growth stages like flowering and fruiting. Use a balanced water-soluble fertilizer (such as 10-10-10 or 5-10-10) mixed at half strength if your plants need a quick pick-me-up.

For more on different fertilizer types, see this fertilizer buying guide.

Application Timing and Dosage

Always fertilize ground cherry plants during their active growing season—mainly spring and early summer. Avoid feeding late in the season, as it can encourage weak growth before fall.

• Seedlings and new plants: Use a diluted, balanced fertilizer soon after transplanting.
• Flowering and fruiting stage: Switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium.
• How much? Follow the package directions exactly. Too much can burn roots and slow growth.

Water after fertilizing to help nutrients reach the roots. For safe and effective use, see tips on how to apply fertilizer the right way.

Fertilizing Strategies Throughout the Growing Season

Fertilizing ground cherries at the right times and in the correct amounts can make a big difference in plant health and harvest size. Adjusting your fertilizer use as plants grow helps avoid common problems and supports strong fruit production.

Feeding Seedlings and Young Plants

Start feeding ground cherry seedlings after they have become established—usually 7-10 days after transplanting outdoors or once true leaves appear. Fertilize too early and you risk burning tender roots or stunting growth. Use a diluted liquid fertilizer, such as fish emulsion or an organic balanced blend (5-5-5 or similar). Mix at half strength and apply once every two weeks, watering well after each application.

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers in the beginning. They promote rapid leaf growth at the expense of root development and can make seedlings leggy. If you planted directly from seed outdoors, wait until seedlings are a few inches tall and have several sets of true leaves before the first feeding. This gentle routine gives young plants the nutrients they need without overwhelming them.

Here’s a simple schedule for seedlings:

For more thorough details on fertilizing young and established vegetable plants, check out these application tips.

Mid-Season Fertilizer Boosts

By mid-season, ground cherry plants are growing fast and starting to set fruit. This is when they need a boost of nutrients. Switch to a balanced organic fertilizer, or use compost tea or worm casting tea around the base of each plant. Apply every two to three weeks for about 8–10 weeks after planting.

A granular, slow-release fertilizer is also an option. Scatter the grains a few inches from the stem and water well to help nutrients soak in. Mulching with compost can help provide a slow, steady nutrient supply while keeping soil cool and moist.

Don’t fertilize during the hottest part of the day—early morning or late evening is best. Stop adding fertilizer when fruiting peaks and the plants reach their full height, as late applications can cause too much leafy growth instead of more fruit. Weekly feeding is usually not necessary; every few weeks is enough for established ground cherries with healthy soil. For a step-by-step guide to garden fertilizing, see these fertilizer timing strategies.

Signs of Over-Fertilization

Applying too much fertilizer can harm ground cherries. Symptoms include scorched leaf edges, stunted growth, and a white crust on soil. You may also see lots of dark green leaves but little or no fruit—a classic sign of too much nitrogen. If you suspect over-fertilizing, stop all feedings and water deeply to flush excess salts from the soil.

It is important to watch your plants closely. If growth seems weak even with regular fertilizing, check for nutrient imbalance. Soil testing can reveal what’s missing or too high. To prevent problems, always follow label instructions and never increase doses just to speed up growth.

Monitoring your garden helps protect your plants. Over-fertilization can be easily avoided when you apply just the right amount at the right time. If you want more detailed fertilizing strategies for ground cherries and other fruiting crops, refer to the comprehensive advice in my ebook “Ground Cherry Gold” available at this link.

Planting and Spacing Tips

For strong, healthy Physalis pruinosa (ground cherry) plants, it is important to begin with the right method, use proper spacing, and provide support. Good planning helps your plants grow better and makes it easier to harvest ripe fruit.

Starting from Seeds or Transplants

You can start ground cherries from seed indoors or use young transplants. Seeds should be started about 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost. Use a warm spot, keeping soil between 75°F and 85°F. A seed-starting mix with good drainage works well. Plant each seed about 1/4 inch deep.

If you prefer, buy young ground cherry plants from the nursery. Outdoors, only plant them after all danger of frost has passed. Harden seedlings first by gradually exposing them to sunlight outdoors for a week before transplanting. For more guidance on starting seeds, see these ground cherry growing tips.

Spacing and Depth Guidelines

Spacing affects how much fruit you will get. Ground cherries are small, sprawling shrubs that spread as they grow. Space each plant at least 2 feet apart. This gives their roots and branches plenty of room and reduces risk of disease from poor air flow.

Transplants should be set into the soil at the same depth as in their original container. Seeds belong about 1/4 inch below the surface. Ground cherries need well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. Plants do best in full sun, but will tolerate a little shade. For more details, visit the ground cherry planting guide.

Supporting Ground Cherry Plants

As Physalis pruinosa grows, its branches may flop or trail along the ground, especially when heavy with fruit. Supporting your plants helps keep fruit cleaner and easier to harvest. Use tomato cages, stakes, or place netting beneath the plants.

Without support, fruits drop to the ground and may rot or be harder to find. Some gardeners put cloth or other ground covers under the plant to catch falling fruit. Regularly check for ripe fruit and collect it quickly. For a complete guide on growing healthy ground cherry plants, check out “Ground Cherry Gold,” your detailed resource for every step in the process, now available on Amazon.

Water and Moisture Management

Ground cherry plants need consistent moisture but dislike soggy roots. Managing water helps prevent diseases and stress while boosting growth and fruiting.

Ideal Watering Schedule

Water ground cherries deeply about once per week during mild weather. When temperatures rise, you may need to increase watering to twice per week. Check the top 1–2 inches of soil before each session—if it feels dry, it’s time to irrigate. Use slow, even watering to reach the root zone. A soaker hose or drip irrigation helps deliver water without wetting the leaves, lowering the risk of fungal issues. Morning is the best time to water, as it lets leaves dry before night. For sandy soils, you may need to water more often since they drain quickly. On the other hand, clay soils hold water for longer, so be careful not to overwater.

Dealing with Drought and Excess Moisture

During drought, your main goal is to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Shade cloth can protect young plants from the hottest afternoon sun. Water more often if leaves start to wilt, but always wait for the soil to become just moist—not muddy—between waterings. In rainy or humid conditions, soil can stay too wet and promote root rot. Make sure your soil drains well, and consider lifting plants in raised beds if your site is soggy. Remove any standing water from around the plants. Only water when the top layer starts to dry out. Using tools like moisture meters helps you track the soil’s dampness and avoid overwatering. Consistent, balanced moisture is the key to healthy ground cherry plants, as discussed in expert gardening resources.

Mulching for Moisture Control

Applying mulch is an effective way to manage soil moisture for ground cherries. Use a 2–3 inch layer of straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings around the base of each plant. This helps to:

• slow evaporation
• keep soil temperature steady
• limit weed growth

For best results, keep mulch one inch away from the stem to discourage pests and rot. Organic mulches break down over time and improve soil structure, further aiding water retention. Mulch cuts down on watering needs in dry weather and also shields roots from intense summer heat. For more detailed guidance, consider checking out my ebook “Ground Cherry Gold” for practical tips on moisture management and much more.

Pest and Disease Management

Keeping your ground cherry plants healthy means understanding which pests to watch for, using quick treatments, and making simple soil choices to avoid disease. Reacting early and keeping up with best gardening practices prevents problems before they get out of hand.

Identifying Common Pests

Ground cherry plants can attract a few key pests. Flea beetles are tiny, black or brown jumping insects that leave small holes in leaves. Aphids appear as small green, black, or white clusters on stems and leaf undersides. Three-lined potato beetles are easy to spot with yellow and black stripes.

Tomato hornworms and cutworms also target ground cherries. Hornworms are large green caterpillars that chew big holes in leaves, while cutworms are fat, gray bugs that cut young stems near the soil level at night.

Check your plants often, especially in early summer. Visual inspection helps you spot early signs before damage becomes severe. Shaking branches over white paper and looking for pests can reveal hidden culprits quickly.

Preventing and Treating Infestations

Use row covers over seedlings to block out beetles and hornworms when plants are young. Introduce or attract helpful insects such as ladybugs or lacewings, which eat aphids and their eggs. Handpick larger pests like hornworms and cutworms off your plants each morning.

For serious outbreaks, insecticidal soap or neem oil works against soft-bodied insects like aphids. Always spray early in the morning and avoid hot afternoons to protect your plants. Remove plant debris and fallen fruit from the ground, since this can attract pests or give them places to hide.

Rotate ground cherries with unrelated crops every season. A simple 3-year plan—for example, growing ground cherries after beans or broccoli—helps break pest and disease cycles. For more methods like this, check “Ground Cherry Gold” for detailed, easy-to-follow tips.

Maintaining Healthy Soil to Discourage Disease

Healthy soil is your first line of defense against most plant diseases. Use well-draining loam mixed with compost, keeping the pH between 6.0 and 7.0, as poor drainage or soil that stays wet encourages fungal leaf spots.

Layering 2–4 inches of finished compost into the top soil gives plants nutrients and helps good microbes thrive. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers—these make plants grow too many leaves but fewer flowers and fruit, leaving them vulnerable to disease.

Space plants 2–3 feet apart for good air flow. This helps leaves dry faster after rain, lowering disease risk. Rotate plant families in the garden each year so soil-borne diseases don’t build up. For a more complete guide to managing healthy soil and thriving crops, explore this practical growing guide.

Harvesting and Storage Tips

Knowing when and how to pick ground cherries can make a big difference in the flavor and shelf life of your fruit. Paying attention to proper technique and handling helps you get the most from each harvest.

Knowing When to Harvest

You can tell ground cherries are ripe when their papery husks turn dry and light brown. The fruit will often fall to the ground on its own when it is ready, which is why they are called “ground cherries.” Avoid picking them too early, as underripe fruit tastes tart and can lack sweetness.

Look for fruit that has dropped or easily comes loose when you gently shake the plant. The ripe fruit should be golden yellow inside its husk and feel slightly soft but not mushy. Unripe green fruit left on the plant will not ripen as well once picked.

A dry layer of straw or mulch under your plants helps keep fallen fruit clean. If you want to learn more about identifying the perfect harvest stage and boosting your crop, check out “Ground Cherry Gold” for reliable guidance.

Proper Harvesting Techniques

Pick up ground cherries from the ground as soon as you notice them to prevent damage or pests getting to the fruit. Handle the fruit gently by its husk; rough treatment can bruise or split the skin, which shortens its shelf life.

Use a shallow basket or tray instead of a deep container to avoid piling fruit on top of each other. This lowers the chance of the delicate fruit at the bottom getting crushed. Make it a routine to check your plants every couple of days during harvest season because new fruit ripens quickly.

If you want to reduce waste, remove any fruit that looks soft, blemished, or moldy right away. These can cause other ground cherries nearby to spoil faster. Keeping up with frequent, careful harvests means you’ll get more usable and tasty fruit.

Storing Ground Cherries for Best Freshness

Leave ground cherries in their husks for the best storage results. The husk helps protect the fruit and keeps it fresh longer. Store the picked fruit in a single layer inside a breathable container, such as a shallow basket or a cardboard box lined with paper.

Room temperature is fine for a few days, but for longer storage, keep ground cherries in a cool, dry area with good air circulation. They can last up to two weeks this way. Avoid airtight containers or plastic bags because these trap moisture and lead to mold.

For even longer storage, ground cherries can be frozen or made into jams and preserves. You’ll find even more storing and preserving tips in e-resources like the University of Minnesota Extension and guides such as growing tomatillos and ground cherries.

Varieties and Related Plants

You will find several ground cherry varieties with unique flavors and growing habits. It is also helpful to understand how ground cherries differ from similar plants such as tomatillos, and to know about other relatives like Cape gooseberry and strawberry tomato.

Popular Ground Cherry Varieties

The most commonly grown ground cherry is Aunt Molly’s, known for its bright yellow fruit and strong, pineapple-like taste. This variety is popular among home gardeners because it is sweet when ripe and grows well in most gardens.

Another favorite is Goldie which makes slightly larger fruits with a rich, tropical flavor. The Pineapple ground cherry has extra-sweet fruit that is great for snacking or desserts. You may also find Strawberry Tomato, which is another name often used for ground cherries but mostly refers to the same species.

Here is a simple comparison of some popular types:

Growing any of these can set you up for a steady and sweet harvest.

Differences Between Ground Cherries and Tomatillos

Ground cherries and tomatillos might look similar, but they have some key differences.

Ground cherries (Physalis pruinosa) grow small, sweet fruit that turns yellow to gold as it matures. The fruit drops to the ground when ripe and is usually eaten fresh, made into jams, or used in desserts. Their husks dry out and become papery as the fruit ripens.

Tomatillos (Physalis ixocarpa) have larger, firmer fruit that stays green or sometimes purple. Unlike ground cherries, tomatillos do not fall off the plant when ripe. Tomatillos have a tangy flavor and are mostly cooked in sauces and salsas. Their plants are bushier and may need more space in your garden.

You can learn more about these differences in detail from this guide on growing tomatillos and ground cherries.

Exploring Related Species

The ground cherry family includes several lesser-known but interesting plants. Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) produces tart, orange fruit that is larger than most ground cherries. It is commonly grown in South America and is enjoyed fresh or made into jams.

Strawberry tomato is often used as another name for ground cherry. However, you can sometimes find seeds sold under this name, so always check the label to know exactly what you are planting.

All these plants belong to the same genus, Physalis, which also includes tomatillo. They all share the trait of being covered by papery husks.

If you want to make the most of ground cherry varieties and grow them with confidence, check out my easy-to-follow ebook, “Ground Cherry Gold”, for even more advice and planting tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing the right soil and fertilizer is important for growing strong ground cherry plants. Pay close attention to soil type, fertilization methods, container growing, common care issues, and plant compatibility for best results.

What type of soil promotes the best growth for ground cherry plants?

Ground cherry plants grow best in well-draining, loose soil with a sandy or loamy texture. They prefer soil that is rich in organic matter and has a neutral to slightly acidic pH, around 6.0 to 6.8.

Avoid heavy clay or compacted soil, as it can lead to waterlogging and root problems. Regularly adding compost can help improve soil structure and fertility.

Which fertilizers are recommended to ensure healthy ground cherry plants?

Use a balanced fertilizer, such as one with an N-P-K ratio around 10-10-10, to support healthy leaf and fruit growth. Too much nitrogen can cause vigorous leaves but fewer fruits.

Adding organic compost or well-rotted manure before planting will boost nutrients in the soil and encourage healthy root development. For more detailed guidance, check out this fertilizing garden soil guide.

How can you grow ground cherries successfully in containers?

Choose a container that holds at least 5 gallons. Fill it with a high-quality potting mix that drains well and contains organic material. Place the container in a spot that gets full sun.

Water the plant when the soil feels dry an inch below the surface. Fertilize every few weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer at a reduced rate for container plants.

What are the common signs of over-fertilization in ground cherry plants?

Ground cherry plants with too much fertilizer may show brown leaf tips, yellowing leaves, and weak growth. Excess fertilizer can also create a white, crusty buildup on the soil surface.

If you notice these signs, reduce the amount of fertilizer and flush the soil with plenty of water to remove any excess salts.

Can ground cherry plants be adversely affected by certain nearby plants?

Yes, ground cherry plants can compete with crops that have similar nutrient and space needs, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. They do not grow well with plants that attract similar pests and diseases.

Keep ground cherries away from potatoes, as both are vulnerable to the same soil-borne diseases. Give your ground cherries enough space from aggressive growers as well.

How large can I expect my ground cherry plants to grow?

Ground cherry plants usually reach 1 to 3 feet in height and can spread 3 to 4 feet wide. In the right conditions, the plants grow bushy and cover a fair bit of ground.

Regular pruning is not required, but you can trim excess growth to maintain better airflow. For a more complete growing guide and bonus tips, see the ebook Ground Cherry Gold.