Also known as Groundcherry · 59 saves
Physalis
Physalis, the genus most gardeners know as groundcherry. We track 7 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 7 most-saved Physalis varieties
5 species of Physalis
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Physalis in Sow
Save the Physalis you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Physalis
Whats common across all Physalis varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them.
The Physalis year
- HarvestAugust–October100% of varieties
Gather berries once the surrounding husks turn dry, papery, and straw-colored.
- Check for PestsJune–August71% of varieties
Monitor foliage for aphids, flea beetles, and signs of powdery mildew.
- PlantApril–June71% of varieties
Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last spring frost.
- FertilizeJune–August43% of varieties
Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen organic fertilizer sparingly at planting time.
Do
- Grow in full sun to maximize fruit yield and sugar development.
- Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot pathogens.
- Harvest only when the husks are dry and the berries inside have turned a deep golden-orange.
- Monitor the planting area to remove volunteer seedlings before they spread aggressively.
- Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not plant in heavy, poorly draining clay soils prone to standing water.
- Do not prune back into old, leafless woody stems, as regrowth will be slow or non-existent.
- Do not consume any part of the plant that is green, including unripe fruit, leaves, and stems.
What goes wrong with Physalis
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Curled leaves, sticky honeydew deposits, and stunted new growth. | Apply insecticidal soaps or neem oil directly to the affected foliage. |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and yellow stippling on the leaves. | Blast the foliage with a strong spray of water or apply a miticide. |
| Flea beetles | Small, shot-hole style perforations in the leaves of young plants. | Use physical row covers on young plants or apply organic insecticides if damage is severe. |
| Deer and rabbits | Chewed foliage and stems from browsing animals. | Install physical fencing or apply commercial animal repellents. |
| Powdery mildew | White, talcum-like powder coating the upper surfaces of leaves. | Avoid overhead watering, improve air circulation, and apply approved bio-fungicides at the first sign of infection. |
| Root rot | Wilting foliage, yellowing leaves, and mushy, decayed roots under waterlogged conditions. | Ensure strict soil drainage and avoid overwatering. |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
Making more Physalis
Seed
- Extract fresh seeds from fully ripe, golden-orange berries.
- Sow seeds shallowly in a moist, sterile seed-starting mix.
- Maintain a warm temperature of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit until germination occurs.
- Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch stem cuttings in late spring.
- Mist cuttings daily and root in moist potting mix for 4–6 weeks.
Physalis questions
How many types of Physalis are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Physalis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 59 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Physalis grow in?
Across its varieties, Physalis covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Physalis bloom?
Most Physalis varieties bloom in mid-summer, late summer, summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Physalis should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.