A Complete Guide to Growing Pineapple Ground Cherries in the U.S.

If you're looking for something unusual to grow in your garden, take a look at the pineapple ground cherry (Physalis pruinosa). Its popularity is growing in the Americas, although not much is known about this unique fruit outside of its native range in the Andes Mountains of South America.

Ground pineapple cherries grow on small herbaceous bushes that usually reach 2-3 feet tall, making them great container plants. The plants produce small, papery pods that contain fruits. As the plants grow, they produce small yellow flowers, followed by husks, which contain a small fruit, about the size of a cherry tomato. The fruit is yellow-orange and has a sweet taste similar to a mixture of lemon, tomato and pineapple.

Since they are surrounded by a papery peel, the fruits are protected from insects and birds, eliminating at least a few of the problems gardeners face. They are easy to harvest, but when the fruits are fully ripe, the skin will turn brown and may fall off the plant (so harvest regularly).

Read on to learn how to plant and grow this delicious fruit.

Cultivation of ground cherry with pineapple

In the United States, ground cherry pineapple is usually grown from seed, which can be started indoors in early spring and then planted outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Before you begin, choose a variety that is appropriate for your region and climate (more on that below). Plants can tolerate some cold temperatures and survive a light frost, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage or kill plants.

Here are the general steps for growing a pineapple crush cherry:

       Pineapple ground cherry grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Pick a location in your garden with adequate drainage and at least six hours of daily sunshine.

        Compost or other organic matter can be added to the soil to increase drainage and soil fertility. Pineapple ground cherry prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.

       Plant the seeds in the spring, after the last frost in your area. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 to 2 inches apart. Water slowly to avoid disturbing the seeds.

       Pineapple ground cherry prefers soil that is consistently moist. Therefore, water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods.

       Once the plants have sprouted, place them 6-12 inches apart. This will give them enough room to grow and produce fruit.

       Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula, every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

       Ground cherry pineapple will bear fruit approximately 70-90 days after planting. The fruit is ready for harvesting when the papery peel turns brown and falls off the plant.

If you have 4-6 plants, you should have enough fruit for a medium sized family, as it can produce up to 300 fruits per plant, and it is frost tolerant.

Harvesting crushed cherries from pineapples

Harvesting ground cherries from pineapples is a relatively straightforward process. If the papery scales don't fall off the fruit, squeeze them gently to test for ripeness—they should be firm and slightly soft. Then, to harvest, gently pull it off the plant, twisting it slightly. The fruit is usually enclosed in a papery peel, so be careful not to damage the fruit or the plant. It is better to stretch it gently than to cut it. When fully ripe, the fruit should separate easily from the plant.

The plant's stem may get damaged if the fruit is cut off, which increases the plant's vulnerability to disease and pests. It can also cause the plant to produce less fruit over time.

Once the fruit is harvested, remove the papery peel. The fruit should be yellow-orange in color and taste sweet.

Crushed pineapple cherries are best when eaten fresh but can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To store the fruit, place it in a paper bag or bowl with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

Recipes Using Ground Cherries

Now that you've planted some crushed pineapple cherries, what are you going to do with it all? Click here for some great recipes, although you can wash and eat them just like cherry tomatoes!

Crushed cherry varieties Pineapple

Here is a list of some types of crushed pineapple cherries, each with unique characteristics:

       Aunt Molly's Ground Cherry: One of the most well-liked and commonly accessible ground cherries is this pineapple. It has a sweet taste and is often used in jams, pies, and other desserts. One reason for this cultivar's popularity is that it is a cold hardy variety that can be grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 10.

       Cossack Crushed Cherry Pineapple: Small, rounded fruits with a sweet, pineapple-like flavour are produced by this cultivar. It is a heat-tolerant species suitable for hot climates. This variety can be grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 10.

       Goldenberry and Cape Gooseberry: These are common names for crushed pineapple cherries with a sweet, tangy flavor. These are heat-tolerant varieties that are suitable for hot climates. Both can be grown in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 11.

       Poha Berry: Traditional Hawaiian cuisine frequently makes use of this Hawaiian cultivar. It has a sweet, slightly tart taste and is used in jams, sweet and savory dishes. The USDA plant hardiness zones 10 through 11 are suitable for growing the heat-tolerant form of poha berries.

First cultivated by the Incas

Pineapple ground cherries have been cultivated for thousands of years by the indigenous people of the Andes region of South America, who cultivated them for their unique flavor and medicinal properties.

It is believed that the Incas, who ruled most of South America before the Spanish arrived, were the first to cultivate the delicious fruit, using it in a variety of ways, including as medicine and as food for their warriors. He is on his journey.

After the Spanish arrived in South America in the 16th century, the ground pineapple cherry was introduced to Europe, where it became popular as an ornamental plant. The plant was eventually introduced to North America, where its popularity continues to grow.