Virginia Ground Cherry

Physalis virginiana

annual0.6×0.3 mzone 7–9light shade

Will it grow where I live?

Virginia Ground Cherry is hardy to zone 7: lowlands, river valleys and cities across Central Europe are fine, harsher continental or upland sites need winter protection or a container.

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Winter hardiness by USDA zone, summer warmth by heat sum – the same values the app and the plant finder use.

Profile

Family: Solanaceae
Habit: annual
Height: 0.6 m
Spread: 0.3 m
Growth: medium
Lifespan: 5 years
First yield: after 1 year
Hardiness: zone 7–9
Shade tolerance: light shade
Soil: Sand, Silt, Loam
Soil moisture: semi-dry – moist
pH: 5.3 – 8.6

pollen source

Growing

The Virginia Ground Cherry thrives best in well-drained soils with a slightly sandy to loamy texture. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moderate moisture. Propagation is done by seeds or division of the rhizomes. Regular watering and weeding promote healthy growth.

Frequently asked questions

Virginia Ground Cherry: how big does it get?

Virginia Ground Cherry (Physalis virginiana) grows as a annual and reaches roughly 0.6 m in height when mature, with a spread of about 0.3 m. Growth is medium.

Virginia Ground Cherry: what site does it need?

Virginia Ground Cherry tolerates light shade. Suitable soils are Sand, Silt, Loam. Soil moisture should be in the range semi-dry – moist. The pH may lie between 5.3 and 8.6.

Virginia Ground Cherry: is it hardy?

Virginia Ground Cherry is listed as hardy in zone 7–9 and survives normal winters outdoors there.

Virginia Ground Cherry: will it grow in Central Europe?

Virginia Ground Cherry is hardy to zone 7: lowlands, river valleys and cities across Central Europe are fine, harsher continental or upland sites need winter protection or a container.

Virginia Ground Cherry: is it poisonous?

Individual parts of Virginia Ground Cherry are noted as mildly problematic — the plant does not count as poisonous. With wild plants, never rely on a database alone, only on a confident identification.

Community experience

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