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Can You Grow Ground Cherry in Hawaii?

US · USDA Zone 12b · zones 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b

Won't grow here

Ground cherries need warm temperatures to ripen their fruit reliably.

Plant zones

3a–9b

Hawaii last frost

no frost

Hawaii first frost

no frost

Days to harvest

70–85 days

When to plant Ground Cherries in Hawaii

Start indoors

Jan 1

Transplant

Jan 1

Harvest

Mar 12 – Mar 27

Dates are approximate, based on Hawaii'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 Hawaii

Hawaii is tropical with year-round warmth. Zone varies dramatically by elevation — coastal areas are Zone 11-12 while Mauna Kea slopes reach Zone 9. Year-round growing throughout.

See what grows well in Hawaii →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Ground Cherry in Hawaii?

Ground cherries need warm temperatures to ripen their fruit reliably.

What zone is Hawaii?

Hawaii spans USDA Zone 12b (9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b).

When do you plant Ground Cherries in Hawaii?

Plant Ground Cherries around no frost (start indoors Jan 1), harvest Mar 12 – Mar 27.