SUNBERRY SEEDS

Physalis sp.

I do not know what this is. It came to me as “Sunberry", species Physalis minima, and I feel that both are inappropriate descriptors. Seasoned gardeners in the United States will know that “Sunberry" is a name given to various Solanum species with small [inedible] black fruits, and this is absolutely NOT that. Physalis minima is generally regarded as an Indian species, but I can say with certainty that this is a species from the Americas based on obvious similarities to several other American species of Physalis that we have grown. No matter the common name or actual species, these plants are lovely and productive and the fruit is delicious. If you like Tomatillos and Ground Cherries please try this fabulous mystery.

These plants initially appear very much like those of Tomatillo and Ground Cherry, ultimately intermediate between the two in stature, and are wildly productive. Our plants topped out around 2' and did not require support. Churned out fruit from July until frost. Stems and husks are blushed with violet, and the creamy 3/4" round ripe fruits are exquisitely stippled with violet. Fragrance and flavor is sweet. The fruits have the charactaristic stickiness of tomatillos, but that did not stop me eating them one after another in the garden. Makes fantastic salsa. Earlier and easier than many common Tomatillos and highly recommended as an alternative. Ideal for small gardens and growers that cannot be bothered to deal with stakes and cages.

Plants hang onto their ripe fruit until given a good shake, at which point most of them drop. This was our strategy for harvest. As the calyx barely changes in appearance over the course of the season and obscures the fruit entirely, even when ripe, it is difficult to ascertain ripeness any other way. However, near the end of the season we discovered that fruits long clinging to the plants were also ripe and delicious. The mystery deepens!

Like many Physalis species the husked ripe fruits will keep for weeks and sometimes months on a kitchen countertop.

Grown by Farmacie Isolde.

Packet contains at least 30 seeds.