Water
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in cooler months.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, especially in containers.
Also known as Angular Winter-Cherry · Annual Groundcherry · Balloon-Cherry
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Cutleaf groundcherry (Physalis angulata) is an herbaceous annual or perennial plant known for its edible, lantern-like fruit husks and tart, tomato-like berries.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best fruit production.
Keep soil consistently moist
50% intensity
Allow top 2-3 cm to dry between waterings. Ensure good drainage.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 20-30°C. Protect from frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
The unripe fruit and leaves contain toxic alkaloids.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in cooler months.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, especially in containers.
Pruning is generally not necessary unless you need to manage size or remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. If pruning is required, do so in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
This promotes a bushier plant and can improve air circulation.
Propagate primarily from seeds sown indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Seeds require light to germinate and should be kept consistently moist and warm.
Cuttings can also be taken from semi-hardwood in summer.
Repot young plants annually or when they become root-bound, typically in spring. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one, with ample drainage holes. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Mature plants may not need frequent repotting.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cutleaf Groundcherry (Physalis angulata)
Where Cutleaf Groundcherry (Physalis angulata) is found

Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Physalis |
| Species | Physalis angulata |
Similar in genus Physalis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data