Pineapple Ground Cherry or Cape Gooseberry is a relative of the tomatillo in the Solanacea/nightshade family. These are a superfood - packed full of vitamins(A, C, riboflavin, niacin) and minerals(calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus). Fruits grow in a lantern or husk and are small 1/2 inch, sweeter and more sour than tomatillos. The plants prefer to sprawl out than grow tall, once the plants get established in early summer they will start putting on fruit. When fruit is ripe, the husk turns light yellow and falls off the plant. Plants wilt if they get too dry, so recommend mulching or watering regularly or finding a spot that gets afternoon shade. Mulch also keeps the fallen fruit from getting dirty. Seeds are very small, so they are slow to start growing. To plant, barely cover seed or push into soil. **Keep soil moist while seedlings small**, if soil dries out seedling will die. A humidity dome may help. Recommend transplanting outdoors when 2-3 inches tall. Do not pick or eat when they're still green. Once the fruit is collected, they'll remain in good condition inside their husks for a few weeks, flavor continues to sweeten as the fruit fully ripens. The flavor is sweet, slightly of pineapple/mango. These make good jam, just add sugar or lemon juice to taste. Jam is slightly sour and good on ice cream/toast. Probably need at least 3 plants to get enough fruit to make a batch of jam Sale is for 100+ Pineapple Ground Cherry seeds, harvested summer of 2024 for 2025 gardening season. Annual/Perennial: Annual - may self-seed from fallen fruit Color: light yellow fruit Days to Harvest: 75 days Height:18-24 inches Sun/Shade: Sun to Part Sun Native to: Americas When to Plant: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, transplant outdoors once nighttime temps are above 50 degrees F. Germinates: 12-20 days Germination tested on 8-2024 Buy Seeds Online Organic Seeds Heirloom Seeds Non-GMO Seeds Vegetable Seeds Flower Seeds Herb Seeds Fruit Seeds Garden Seeds Seed Starter Kits Rare Seeds Bulk Seeds Indoor Gardening Seeds Seed Catalog Seed Packs for Sale Sustainable Seeds Greenhouse Seeds Seed Suppliers Planting Seeds Home Garden Seeds