Water
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering as plants mature and fruits begin to ripen.
Overwatering can lead to root rot and affect fruit quality.
Also known as Green Tomato · Husk-Tomato · Jamberry
Mexican Groundcherry (Physalis philadelphica) is a bushy annual producing tart, edible fruits enclosed in papery husks, popular in Mexican cuisine.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Regular
75% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, avoid waterlogging.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in warm temperatures, ideal between 20-30°C. Sensitive to frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Balanced fertilizer at planting and fruiting. Avoid excess nitrogen.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering as plants mature and fruits begin to ripen.
Overwatering can lead to root rot and affect fruit quality.
Pruning is generally minimal for Mexican Groundcherry. You can pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches as needed. Heavy pruning is not typically required for this species.
Easily propagated from seeds sown indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Seeds germinate best in warm soil. Cuttings can also be taken from mature plants.
Repot seedlings into larger containers as they grow, typically moving from small pots to larger ones. Mature plants are often grown in the ground, so repotting is usually only for nursery starts before transplanting or for overwintering in colder climates.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Mexican Groundcherry (Physalis philadelphica)
Where Mexican Groundcherry (Physalis philadelphica) is found

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