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 and minerals. The 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 will 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 they dry out, they may die off. 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. The best use I've found is cooking into a 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. Scientific Name: Physalis peruviana Annual/Perennial: Annual - but may self-seed from fallen fruitColor: light yellow fruit Days to Harvest: 75 daysHeight:18-24 inchesSun/Shade: Sun to Part SunNative to: AmericasWhen 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 8-15-24 Tips:store seeds in a cool, dry place, like a sealed container in your refrigerator or basement, seeds can stay viable for many years Shipping: Shipped via first-class mail. US buyers only. Standard USPS first class delivery time is typically within 5 Business Days(85%), however due to USPS changes in the Fall 2023, especially around Georgia and Colorado, some mail is being delayed up to 10 Business Days. Please keep these timeframes in mind.