Ground cherries, also known as Physalis, are a type of fruit that typically grow to be around 1 to 3 feet tall. One notable characteristic of ground cherries is that they have a sprawling growth habit. Unlike other plants that grow upright, ground cherries tend to spread out horizontally, taking up more space in the garden.
To give ground cherries enough room to grow and thrive, it is recommended to space them at least 4 feet apart from each other. This spacing allows each plant to have enough space to spread out and prevents overcrowding. When plants are too close together, they can compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients, which can lead to stunted growth and decreased fruit production.
In addition to spacing, it is also common practice to provide support for ground cherries by using trellises or tomato cages. By training the plants to grow vertically, you can save even more space in your garden and promote better air circulation around the plants. This can help reduce the risk of diseases and pests that thrive in humid and crowded conditions.
I personally have experience growing ground cherries in my own garden. I found that giving them enough space to spread out and supporting them with trellises made a significant difference in their growth and overall health. The plants were able to grow tall and produce an abundance of fruit without taking up excessive space in my garden beds.
Ground cherries do have a sprawling growth habit, but by spacing them at least 4 feet apart and providing support such as trellises or tomato cages, you can effectively manage their growth and save space in your garden.
