Aunt Molly Ground Cherry is an outstanding variety that originated in Poland.
Fruits are 1.3 - 1.8 cm (1/2" to 3/4") in diameter. Fruits mature to a golden orange colour and drop to the ground in their husks when ripe. Sprawling habit. Prized for its excellent citrus flavor, it is well suited for preserves, pies, fresh fruit salads, and over ice cream.
SKU: 125902
Common Name: Ground Cherry
Botanical Name: Physalis pruinosa
Growing Information
Safe for Bees
Good For Pollinators
Grows Best In:
Full Sun
Days to Germination:
10 - 21 days
Water Needs:
Average 2.5-5 cm (1-2") per week
Days to Maturity:
70 days (after transplanting to garden)
Growing Height:
45 cm (18")
Key Features
Plant Type: Vegetable
Plant Lifecycle: Annual
Fill Weight (grams): 100 mg
Approximate Seed Count: 100-110
Characteristics: Attracts specialized bees and pollinators
Planting Method: Start Indoors
Color: Orange/yellow
Water Needs: Average 2.5-5 cm (1-2") per week
Landscape Use: Edible Garden
Tolerance: Heat|Drought
Flavor: Strawberry like
Preparation Ideas: Great for preserves and pies.
Instructions
Growing Instructions:
Start ground cherry seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost in your area. Follow the seed depth and spacing guidelines indicated below. Once all danger of frost has passed, seedlings should be hardened off before planting in their growing location. Seedlings should be transplanted according to the plant and row spacing directions below. Regularly monitor your plants and ensure that the soil remains moist, but not soggy while they establish themselves in their new environment.
Click here to read more information on planning and planting a garden.
Planting Depth: 6 mm (1/4")
Seed Spacing: Sow ground cherry seeds roughly 2.5 cm (1") apart in rows, keeping rows approximately 90 cm (36") apart.
Plant Spacing: 60-90 cm (24-36")
Instructions for Nutrient Care:
Feed plants SUPERthrive once per week. Mix 1.2 ml (1/4 tsp) per 4L (1 gallon) of water in a watering can and apply solution to the base of the plants.
Suggestions
Growing Suggestions:
Insert a tomato cage at the time of transplanting to support it's sprawling habit and free up space for other crops. If placed later on you run the risk of damaging plant roots.
Fruit is ready to harvest once the husk is dry and papery. Fruits are generally the sweetest when they have fallen on the ground. Remove the husks before eating. Fruit will store 3 to 4 weeks if left in the husk.