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Can You Grow Ground Cherry in New York?

US · USDA Zone 6a · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

3a–9b

New York last frost

early April

New York first frost

late October

Days to harvest

70–85 days

When to plant Ground Cherries in New York

Start indoors

Feb 17

Transplant

Apr 1

Harvest

Jun 10 – Jun 25

Dates are approximate, based on New York'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 New York

New York ranges from Zone 6b in New York City to Zone 4a in the Adirondacks. Western New York near Lake Erie has a unique microclimate excellent for Concord grapes.

See what grows well in New York →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Ground Cherry in New York?

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

What zone is New York?

New York spans USDA Zone 6a (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b).

When do you plant Ground Cherries in New York?

Plant Ground Cherries around early April (start indoors Feb 17), harvest Jun 10 – Jun 25.