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Can You Grow Ground Cherry in Washington?

US · USDA Zone 8b · zones 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b

Grows well here

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

Plant zones

3a–9b

Washington last frost

late January

Washington first frost

mid-December

Days to harvest

70–85 days

When to plant Ground Cherries in Washington

Start indoors

Jan 1

Transplant

Jan 30

Harvest

Apr 10 – Apr 25

Dates are approximate, based on Washington'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 Washington

Washington has dramatically different climates. The wet maritime west (Zone 8a-8b) is mild and productive year-round. Eastern Washington is semi-arid and colder (Zone 5-6) with hot dry summers.

See what grows well in Washington →

Frequently asked questions

Can you grow Ground Cherry in Washington?

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

What zone is Washington?

Washington spans USDA Zone 8b (4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b).

When do you plant Ground Cherries in Washington?

Plant Ground Cherries around late January (start indoors Jan 1), harvest Apr 10 – Apr 25.