Groundcherry

Profile

Family

Solanaceae

Habit

perennial

Height

1.2 m

Spread

1.5 m

Growth

fast

Lifespan

3 years

First yield

after 1 year

Hardiness

zone 9–12

Shade tolerance

partial shade

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

dry – very moist

pH

5.5 – 7

Synonyms

Blasenkirsche, physalis,

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Obst – roh oder gekocht in Kuchen, Torten, Gelees, Kompott, Marmelade usw. . Der köstliche bittersüße Geschmack ist kleiner, aber süßer als bei der Sorte „Edulis“. Die getrockneten Früchte können als Rosinenersatz verwendet werden, sind aber nicht so süß. Die Pflanze wickelt jede Frucht praktischerweise in eine eigene „Papiertüte“ (botanisch den Kelch) ein, um sie vor Schädlingen und Witterungseinflüssen zu schützen. Dieser Kelch ist giftig und sollte nicht gegessen werden. Die Frucht ist reich an Vitamin A (3000 IE Carotin pro 100 g), Vitamin C und einigen Vitamin-B-Komplexen (Thiamin, Niacin und B12). Der Protein- und Phosphorgehalt ist für eine Frucht außergewöhnlich hoch. Die Frucht ist eine Beere mit einem Durchmesser von etwa 2 cm. Die getrockneten Früchte gelten als Hefeersatz. Wenn sie sorgfältig gepflückt werden und der Kelch intakt ist, können sie drei Monate oder länger gelagert werden. Der Durchmesser der Früchte beträgt etwa 2 cm.

Medicinal: The leaf juice was used to treat worms and intestinal problems. The plant has diuretic properties. 240.

Other uses: Use in agroforestry: The Andean berry can be utilized as a companion plant, attracting pollinators and beneficial insects. It can also serve as ground cover. 1. Nectar - Nectar-rich flowers: Yes - The flowers of Physalis peruviana produce nectar, attracting various pollinators such as bees and butterflies. 2. Wildlife - Food (fruits, seeds, leaf litter, shelter, nesting site, resting place): Yes - The fruits are edible, providing food for various wildlife, including birds and mammals. The leaves and other parts of the plant can contribute to habitat but are usually not consumed. 3. Protection for invertebrates (overwintering sites, leaf litter, ground cover): Yes - The leaves and surrounding leaf litter can offer protection to beneficial insects and other invertebrates, thus contributing to a more diverse environment. 4. Pest confuser (smell): No - Although Physalis species can emit a smell, they are not primarily perceived as pest confusers or deterrents, as is the case with some other plants.

Growing

Thrives in a sheltered location in any well-draining soil, in full sun or partial shade. Prefers nutrient-rich clay soil but can also tolerate poor soils. Excessive soil fertility promotes leaf production over fruit formation. Plants can tolerate a pH range between 4.5 and 8.2. While naturally an evergreen shrub, it is not very winter-hardy in some regions. Some varieties can withstand temperatures down to about -10°C if grown accordingly. It is advisable to apply a protective mulch layer on the roots in late autumn after the top shoots have been cut back by frost. In most areas, it is grown as an annual plant similar to tomatoes. Pruning the growing tip when shoots are less than 30 cm tall can promote lateral branching. Commonly cultivated in warm temperate and tropical zones for its edible fruits, with some named varieties available. The most widespread variety is "Edulis," which produces significantly larger fruits than the species but with slightly less flavor. Yields of 20 tons per hectare are common in South America, with records of up to 33 tons. Generally self-fertile, fruits are typically harvested from late summer to early autumn when pods turn brown and fruits drop to the ground. Flowering usually occurs from late spring to summer, with moderate growth and maturity around 100 to 120 days after sowing.

Propagation

Seed - Sow in March/April in a greenhouse, with seeds just lightly covered. Germination is usually quick and trouble-free. Prick out seedlings once they are large enough into individual pots with nutrient-rich soil and plant them after the last expected frost. Protect them if necessary with a glass bell until they are well established. Daytime temperature fluctuations promote germination. Divide the plant in spring. It is best done without digging up the plant. Remove young shoots growing laterally from the clump, ensuring some underground shoots are also removed. Ideally, these should already have roots, but the shoot should quickly form new roots when potted and kept in a shady but moist place in the greenhouse for a few weeks.

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