(Physalis pruinosa)
These bite-sized golden jewels come individually wrapped in delicate, lantern-shaped paper husks. When fully ripe, they drop to the ground and deliver an irresistible burst of tropical sweetness—think pineapple, mango, vanilla, and a hint of strawberry all in one.
 
Super-easy, low-maintenance annuals, ground cherries thrive in full sun and average soil with little care once established. Plants sprawl 2–3 feet wide, are self-fertile, and produce heavy yields from midsummer until frost. Simply let the husks fall naturally (that’s the signal they’re fully ripe and sweetest), gather them up, and store in their husks for weeks—the flavor only improves.
 
Important safety note: Like all members of the nightshade family, ground cherries contain solanine when unripe. Only eat fruits that have fallen on their own; green or forcibly picked fruits can be bitter and mildly toxic if consumed in quantity. When ripe and golden, they’re perfectly safe and delicious.
 
Sold in a 2.5 inch pot