Physalis variovestita

Waterf.

Field Groundcherry

Solanaceae Edible: Fruit Potential hazards — see below 1 iNaturalist observations

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President and Fellows of Harvard College

gbif· cc0

President and Fellows of Harvard College

gbif· cc0

President and Fellows of Harvard College

Summary

Physalis variovestita is a frost-tender species with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. It adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage, tolerating mildly acidic, neutral, and mildly alkaline pH levels. The plant requires full sun and prefers moist soil conditions.

Description

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. Each fruit is naturally enclosed in a papery calyx that protects it from pests and the elements — this calyx is toxic and must not be eaten.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where many of the members have poisonous leaves and stems, though the full ripe fruits are usually edible.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of this country. We are not sure if this species is an annual or perennial, but it should be possible to treat it as an annual, sowing the seed in early spring in a warm greenhouse and planting out after the last expected frosts. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade.

Propagation

Sow seed in March or April in a greenhouse, barely covering it. Germination is typically quick and prolific. Diurnal temperature fluctuations assist germination. Once large enough to handle, prick seedlings out into individual pots of fairly rich soil and plant out after the last expected frosts, with cloche protection until established. Division in spring is very straightforward — larger divisions can go directly into permanent positions, while smaller ones are better potted up and grown on in light shade in a cold frame until well established before planting out in late spring or early summer. For basal cuttings in early summer, harvest shoots with plenty of underground stem when they reach about 8–10cm above ground, pot into individual pots, and keep in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until rooting well before planting out in summer.