Tiny fruits from a highly productive, sprawling plant. Extremely versatile. Plant produces good yields of ground cherry which are enclosed in papery husk. They turn to yellow-orange and fall off the plant when mature. Stores for several months while in husk. The ground cherry can be eaten raw, dried, preserved, and stewed. Also used in salads, pies, cakes, sauces, jams, and jellies. Germination Info Ground Cherry seeds are usually fairly easy to germinate, though germination time can be a bit longer than other vegetable seeds. 1) Prepare for planting. Tomatillo seeds should be sprouted in small containers, preferably 4" or smaller. In-ground germination is not recommended because conditions are not as easily controlled. Use a standard potting mix that is well drained. Make sure potting mix is damp prior to planting the seeds. With very small seeds such as Tomatillo, watering overly dry soil can cause the seeds to dislodge from their position and sink deep into cracks in the soil. Seeds that sink deeply into soil will not be able to reach the soil surface once germinated. 2) Plant seeds. Plant seeds 1/4" deep in the soil. Cover with soil and water carefully. Over watering can cause fungal growth which leads to seed rot. Excess water can also bury seeds deep in the soil where they will not be able break the surface. Water when the soil surface just begins to dry. Multiple seeds can be planted in a single starter container, but should be thinned once seedlings appear so only a single plant remains. 3) Germination. Soil should be kept consistently warm, from 70-85F. Cool soils, below about 60-65F, even just at night, will significantly delay or inhibit germination. Hot soils above 90F will also inhibit germination. 4) Care of seedlings. Once a few true leaves have developed, seedlings should be slowly moved outside (if sprouted indoors) to ambient light. Care should be taken not to expose seedlings to direct, scorching sun so plants may need to be hardened off via slow sun exposure. Hardening off can be done using a shaded or filtered light location, as well as protection from strong winds, rain or low humidity. Hardening off time varies, but can take 5-10 days. 5) Planting out. Plant in the ground once danger of frost has past and daytime temperatures consistently reach 65F. Germination time: 2-6 weeks under ideal conditions.