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Can You Grow Ground Cherry in Delaware?

US · USDA Zone 7a · zones 6b, 7a

Grows well here

Ground cherries grow easily in your zone — a surprisingly productive and self-sufficient crop.

Plant zones

3a–9b

Delaware last frost

early March

Delaware first frost

late November

Days to harvest

70–85 days

When to plant Ground Cherries in Delaware

Start indoors

Jan 24

Transplant

Mar 7

Harvest

May 16 – May 31

Dates are approximate, based on Delaware's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Ground Cherry

Ground cherries (husk cherries) are a hidden gem of the vegetable garden — sweet vanilla-pineapple flavored fruits inside papery husks that drop naturally when ripe. Excellent for jam, baking, and eating fresh.

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Plants self-mulch with dropped husks — fruits inside stay fresh on the ground for weeks. Harvest husked fruits daily. Productive and drought-tolerant once established. Self-seeds freely the following year.

Full ground cherry growing guide →

Gardening in Delaware

Delaware has a humid subtropical climate moderated by the Atlantic. Mild winters and warm summers support a long growing season for mid-Atlantic vegetables.

See what grows well in Delaware →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Ground Cherry in Delaware?

Ground cherries grow easily in your zone — a surprisingly productive and self-sufficient crop.

What zone is Delaware?

Delaware spans USDA Zone 7a (6b, 7a).

When do you plant Ground Cherries in Delaware?

Plant Ground Cherries around early March (start indoors Jan 24), harvest May 16 – May 31.