Yantar Ground Cherry Seeds

Yantar is a variety of ground cherry (Physalis pruinosa) known for its unique characteristics and appealing qualities. It produces small, round fruits encased in a papery husk, typical of ground cherries. The fruits themselves are a vibrant amber-yellow color when ripe, which is where the name “Yantar” (meaning “amber” in Russian) comes from.

Yantar ground cherries have a sweet and tangy flavour, often described as a mix between a pineapple, strawberry, and tomato. They are slightly less acidic than other ground cherry varieties, making them particularly pleasant for fresh eating. They can also be cooked into jams and pies. They have a slightly better flavour than Aunt Molly’s.

The plants are compact and bushy, making them suitable for small garden spaces or containers. They are typically easy to grow, requiring similar conditions to tomatoes and other Physalis species.

Growing Yantar Ground Cherries:

Soil and Sunlight: Like other ground cherries, Yantar thrives in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. They prefer a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.8.

Planting: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Once the danger of frost has passed, transplant them outdoors, spacing the plants about 18-24 inches apart.

Care: Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulching can help retain moisture and keep the fruits clean as they ripen and drop to the ground.

Pollination: Yantar ground cherries are self-pollinating, but they benefit from the presence of pollinators like bees to improve fruit set and yield.

Harvesting: The fruits are ready to harvest when they naturally drop from the plant and the husks turn brown and dry. Collect the fallen fruits and remove the husk before eating.

The sweet and tangy flavour of Yantar ground cherries makes them ideal for snacking straight from the garden. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and salsas to desserts and preserves. They can be baked into pies, tarts, and crisps, or used to make jams and chutneys.

Yantar ground cherries store well if kept in their husks in a cool, dry place. They can last several weeks, making them a versatile fruit to have on hand.

This variety is also noted for its resistance to common diseases that affect other Physalis species, making it a hardy choice for gardeners.

Belarus heirloom. The original seeds were obtained from Andrey Baranovski of Minsk, Belarus.