Also known as Groundcherry · 41 saves
Physalis
Physalis, the genus most gardeners know as groundcherry. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Physalis varieties
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 3 most-grown of them.
The Physalis year
- PlantApril and May100% of varieties
Plant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed
- HarvestJuly–October100% of varieties
Harvest when husks dry and drop to the ground; fruit should be golden
- StakeJune and July67% of varieties
Stake or cage plants as they grow to support heavy fruit load
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Provide full sun for optimal fruit production
- Apply organic compost annually for rich soil
- Water consistently, especially during dry spells 🌱
- Prune dead or diseased branches to promote airflow
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t overcrowd plants to ensure good air circulation
- Refrain from using excessive chemical fertilizers
- Don’t fertilize with high nitrogen, which can reduce fruiting
What goes wrong with Physalis
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on undersides of leaves | Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Use organic fungicide or homemade baking soda spray |
Making more Physalis
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring, ¼ inch deep.
- Keep soil consistently moist for germination, which takes 2–3 weeks.
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 3 distinct Physalis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 41 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Physalis grow in?
Across its varieties, Physalis covers USDA Zones 5–10. 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 late summer, mid-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.