Aunt Molly&
Aunt Molly&
Several Aunt Molly&
Aunt Molly&
Aunt Molly&
Several Aunt Molly&

Ground Cherry Seeds,
Aunt Molly's

4.3115 ReviewsSKU: #GR132Min. seed count: 50
Price
Regular price $3.50
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Description

Polish heirloom variety that has an unusually fine flavor—very sweet with a nice hint of tartness. One-half to three-quarter inch fruit is enclosed in a papery husk that drops to the ground when fully ripe. High pectin content makes this one an excellent choice for pies and preserves.

Growing Tips: Start transplants indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Cover lightly with soil. Do not allow soil to dry out.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Physalis pruinosa
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
7–21
Days to Maturity
65
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
18 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–90°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Start transplants indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date, and move them to the garden after your last frost, as this Polish heirloom is not frost hardy. Seedlings can be kept warm with a horticulture-grade heat mat while they size up. Plants reach maturity in about 65 days.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Start transplants indoors 6-8 weeks before last average frost date.
  • Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep.
  • Ideal germination temperature is between 70-90 F and seedlings can be kept warm with a horticulture- grade heat mat.
  • Seeds will germinate in 7-21 days.

How to Grow

  • Space plants 18 inches apart in the garden with a nice layer of mulch (plastic, burlap, or straw mulch work great).
  • Plant in full sun, provide average moisture.
  • Fruit will drop to the ground when ripe; plastic or burlap mulch helps to catch the fruit and keep it clean and prevent rot.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • A generally pest- and disease-free plant

How to Save Seeds

  • Isolate different varieties by 500 feet. In order to ensure a strong genetic diversity, be sure to save fruit from a minimum of 5 plants.
  • Seed saving this fruit is easy; just remove husks and blend the fruit with water.
  • Allow the watery mix to separate. Pour off the separated pulp and water and save the seeds that settled on the bottom.
  • Strain seeds and air dry, then store them in a dark, dry, cool location.
  • If properly stored, seeds will remain viable for up to 6 years.

FAQ

How do I know when Aunt Molly's fruit is ripe?

The one-half to three-quarter inch fruit is enclosed in a papery husk that drops to the ground when fully ripe. Plastic or burlap mulch helps catch the fruit, keep it clean, and prevent rot.

How should I start Aunt Molly's seeds?

Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost, at an ideal germination temperature of 70 to 90 F. Seeds germinate in 7 to 21 days; do not allow the soil to dry out.

What is Aunt Molly's best for in the kitchen?

The flavor is unusually fine, very sweet with a nice hint of tartness, and the high pectin content makes it an excellent choice for pies and preserves.

Customer reviews

4.3 / 5 115 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Tropical, pineapple-sweet: Pineapple and mango notes with a tomato tang; not for everyone.

  • Heavy once established: Slow at first, then heavy picking as summer heat arrives.

  • Sprawling plants: Spreads 3 to 4 feet wide; give it room or a cage.

  • Ripe when they drop: Wait for the husk to yellow and fall; picked early they are tart.

  • Heads up: Tiny seeds need warmth to sprout; seedlings can sulk until heat.

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