Solanacées • Physalis peruviana

Giant Ground Cherry - Organic

"An orange treasure with a delicate flavor, a perfect match for gourmet gardens."

$4.49

Number of seeds 25 seeds

Native to the highlands of South America, the Giant Ground Cherry ( Physalis peruviana ) is prized for its golden fruit enclosed in a lantern-shaped calyx , resembling a small, leafy jewel box. This variety is distinguished by its larger berries compared to its relatives , with a vibrant citrus flavor blended with tropical sweetness , almost candied.

In the garden, it reveals a generous and sunny personality , with its golden-brown papery husks contrasting with the bright orange of the fruit. Cultivated as an annual in Quebec, it is nevertheless perennial in its native habitat , and can, for adventurous gardeners, be kept dormant in a dry location and then replanted the following spring.

More demanding than its cousin Physalis pruinosa , it requires warmth and patience , but rewards amply with its decorative abundance and incomparable richness of flavor. A true talismanic fruit in a bountiful garden, it is ornamental, delicious, and a source of wonder.

Growing climate: Temperate to warm climate
Sowing difficulty level: Medium
Care required: Regular
Note: Sensitive to excessive humidity and frost.

The fruits of the giant ground cherry can be eaten raw, in fruit salads, sauces, or transformed into jams, jellies, and chutneys. Their fresh, sweet, and slightly tart flavor, reminiscent of citrus fruits, brings a bright and sunny touch to both simple recipes and refined preparations.

They can also be dried, like raisins or small apricots, for a flavorful and energizing snack. Native to South America, this plant has long been valued there for the aromatic richness of its berries, which make it a fruit that is nutritious, medicinal, and festive in many local culinary traditions.