Pineapple (Ground Cherry) Tomatillo Seeds (Organic)

Pineapple Ground Cherry Tomatillo (Physalis pruinosa) is an organic heirloom that produces small golden-yellow fruits wrapped in a papery husk, with a sweet-tart flavor reminiscent of pineapple. These productive vining plants drop their ripe fruit to the ground when ready, a hallmark of ground cherries.

At a glance

• Botanical name: Physalis pruinosa (ground cherry, husk tomato)
• Type: Organic heirloom, open-pollinated
• Days to maturity: 70 to 95 days
• Sun: Full sun
• Planting depth: 1/4 inch
• Spacing after thinning: 36 to 48 inches
• Height at maturity: 3 to 4 feet
• Approx. seeds per pack: 50

Best for

• Fresh snacking straight from the husk
• Pineapple-style salsa and savory sauces
• Jams, preserves, and desserts
• Adding a sweet-tart note to salads
• Gardeners exploring unusual fruiting plants

How to grow

Sow in flats 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost at a soil temperature of 70 to 80°F, with germination in 7 to 14 days. Thin seedlings to 2 inches after the first true leaves, then harden off and transplant into fertile, compost-rich soil (pH 5.5 to 7.0) after the last frost. Water deeply at 7-day intervals, mulch to hold moisture, and avoid wetting the foliage. Harvest fruit once the husk splits or the berry fills it out.

Flavor profile

Sweet and tangy, blending the tropical taste of pineapple with the mild tartness of a green tomatillo.

About Grow Organic

Grow Organic, the online home of Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply, has served organic gardeners and small-scale farmers with seeds, tools, and soil amendments from Grass Valley, California since 1976.