Description
I’m a big fan of “grazing” when I’m out in the garden, so I’m always on the lookout for fruits, flowers, and foliage that are nice to nibble on with no cooking required. I’ve tried growing different varieties of ground cherries at various times over the years but was repeatedly disappointed, because I thought they all had an odd aftertaste. In 2021, I decided to try one last time, with a local heirloom variety called ‘New Hanover’, and found a winner.
The low, spreading plants are less than 1 foot tall but well branched, each covering a space nearly 3 feet across. The small, yellow flowers are barely visible, each developing into a lantern-shaped, green husk that surrounds a marble-sized fruit. They’re ready to eat when the husk turns tan and the fruit inside is evenly yellow. They’re generally on the ground at that point (hence the name), but the husk keeps the fruit clean. They’re a treat for fresh eating, and you can also use them as pie filling, in other baked goods, or in salsa or chutney, among other things. (There are lots of recipes available online, if you’re interested. You’re likely to have plenty of fruits to use!) Full sun. Annual.
Harvested in early to mid August 2023. At least 15 seeds. Shipping to US addresses only.
Please read the germination information as well before ordering.
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