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Can You Grow Ground Cherry in Pennsylvania?

US · USDA Zone 6a · zones 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

Pennsylvania last frost

early April

Pennsylvania first frost

late October

Days to harvest

70–85 days

When to plant Ground Cherries in Pennsylvania

Start indoors

Feb 17

Transplant

Apr 1

Harvest

Jun 10 – Jun 25

Dates are approximate, based on Pennsylvania'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 Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a humid continental climate. Philadelphia is Zone 7a; Pittsburgh is Zone 6a; northern Pennsylvania is Zone 5a-5b. Four distinct seasons with a 6-7 month growing window.