Strawberry Tomato (Physalis pruinosa)

Family: Solanaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Physalis pruinosa is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

delicious bitter sweet flavour. — Fruit - raw or cooked in pies, preserves etc.; A delicious bitter sweet flavour.; The plant conveniently wraps up each fruit in its own 'paper bag' (botanically, the calyx) to protect it from pests and the elements.; This calyx is toxic and should not be eaten.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry open often sandy soils, old fields and wasteland. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)