The Pineapple Tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa)—also known as the Yellow Ground Cherry—is a sweet, tropical-flavored variety of tomatillo that produces bright yellow, husked fruits with a pineapple-like aroma and flavor. These non-GMO seeds yield vigorous, productive vines that thrive in warm climates and are ideal for home gardens, containers, and market growers.
Perfect for fresh snacking, salsas, jams, or desserts, the Pineapple Tomatillo combines the tartness of a tomatillo with the sweetness of pineapple. It’s a high-yield, heat-loving plant that performs beautifully in sunny locations.
Key Features
- Produces small, yellow fruits with a sweet-tart pineapple flavor
- Non-GMO, heirloom ground cherry vine variety
- Excellent for salsas, preserves, or fresh snacking
- Heat-tolerant and high-yielding summer plant
- Ideal for containers, gardens, and pollinator-friendly plots
Specifications
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Pineapple Tomatillo / Yellow Ground Cherry |
| Scientific Name | Physalis ixocarpa |
| Plant Type | Annual Fruit-Bearing Vine |
| Growth Habit | Sprawling vine or compact bush with husked fruit |
| Heirloom | Yes |
| GMO Status | Non-GMO |
| Organic | Naturally untreated seed form |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 8–11 |
| Sunlight Requirement | Full Sun |
| Soil Type | Well-drained, fertile loam or sandy soil |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Season | Warm-season annual |
| Watering | Moderate; prefers evenly moist soil |
| Days to Germination | 10–20 days |
| Days to Maturity | 70–90 days |
| Mature Height | 2–3 feet |
| Spread | 2–4 feet |
| Flower Color | Yellow with dark centers |
| Fruit Color | Yellow when ripe, enclosed in papery husks |
| Pollination | Self-fertile but better yields with cross-pollination |
| Maintenance | Low; prune or stake for airflow and fruit support |
Planting Guide
- Seed Starting: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date.
- Planting Depth: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in moist soil.
- Temperature: Maintain soil temperature at 75–85°F for germination.
- Transplanting: Move outdoors once soil has warmed and frost risk is gone.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.
- Care: Remove husks only when fruits drop naturally and turn yellow.
