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Can You Grow Ground Cherry in Virginia?
US · USDA Zone 7a · zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Ground cherries grow easily in your zone — a surprisingly productive and self-sufficient crop.
Plant zones
Virginia last frost
Virginia first frost
Days to harvest
When to plant Ground Cherries in Virginia
Start indoors
Transplant
Harvest
Dates are approximate, based on Virginia'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.
Gardening in Virginia
Virginia ranges from Zone 5b in the mountains to Zone 7b on the coast. The Shenandoah Valley is Zone 6b-7a. Four seasons with a long productive growing window in most areas.
Frequently asked questions
Can you grow Ground Cherry in Virginia?
Ground cherries grow easily in your zone — a surprisingly productive and self-sufficient crop.
What zone is Virginia?
Virginia spans USDA Zone 7a (5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b).
When do you plant Ground Cherries in Virginia?
Plant Ground Cherries around early March (start indoors Jan 24), harvest May 16 – May 31.