TOMATILLO and GROUND CHERRY CULTURE

NOTE: Number of days from transplanting until harvest is only for comparison purposes between varieties. Actual number of days varies with location and growing conditions.

Ground Cherry, Aunt Molly's
 65-70 days- (Physalis pruinosa) Small berries, about three-fourths to one inch in diameter, which fall to the ground when ripe. Enclosed in a papery husk like the tomatillo, but fruity-tasting. Fine for fresh eating, preserves, pies. A cheerful yellow-orange color. Recommended.

Ground Cherry, Pineapple 
65-70 days- (Physalis pruinosa)  The standard strain of Ground Cherry, used at least since the early 19th century by pioneer ancestors, until tree-fruits could be raised; but tasty in their own right and well worth growing. The fruits are somewhat yellower than Aunt Molly's; some feel that this strain is a bit more sprightly in flavor.

Ground Cherry, Strawberry Husk  3.00
70 - 90 days.  Plants grow 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 feet tall, producing 1/2 to 3/4 inch fruit enclosed in a paper-like husk.  The husks turn brown and the fruit turns yellow.  The flavor is a sweet/sour taste that can be enjoyed fresh or cooked in pies.  Ground cherries were used for preserves by settlers when other fruits were not available.

Tomatillo, Dr. Wyche's Yellow   3.00
90-100 days.  A Seed Savers introduction, given to that organization by the late Dr. John Wyche. Appears to combine the best of the purples and the yellow/green types. The Seed Savers catalog states: Unique yellow-colored tomatillo with contrasting purple blush, nice sweet flavor. Very productive."

Tomatillo, Purple  3.00
75-85 days-(Physalis ixocarpa) Beautiful purple fruit, large size. Many are a bright violet color throughout their flesh. Much sweeter than the green types, it can be eaten right off the plant. Turns purple when ripe.

Tomatillo, Verde  3.00
 70 days-(Physalis ixocarpa) Deep green fruit to two inches in diameter; a standard, richly-flavored type. Huge yields as with most tomatillos. Used in fresh green salsas and in chile verde dishes. Harvest when full-sized, but before fruits turn yellow. Will self-sow in your garden if you miss even one fruit.