Aunt Molly's Ground Cherry ORGANIC Non-GMO Heirloom Seeds 2025

AUNT MOLLY'S GROUND CHERRY (Physalis pruinosa) dates to at least 1837 when they were first recorded in Pennsylvania. This is a Polish heirloom that produces 1/2"-3/4" fruits with a clean, citrusy flavor. An Ark of Taste selection. The fruit is contained in papery husk that indicates ripe fruit by turning brown. The neat thing is, you don't have to process immediately if you pick with husks intact as they will store in their husks 3-4 weeks. Very productive plants have a rangy growth up to 60" H x 24" wide. High in pectin so great for use in preserves and marmalade, pies, sauces or fruit salads and even dried. Will not cross with other cherries or fruit, as it is actually related to the tomatillo. 70 days. 50 Seeds.

GROWING TIPS: Sow indoors 1/4" deep 6 weeks before last frost. Or you can direct sow, although this will delay fruiting. After danger of frost, sow or transplant to garden spacing 12"-18" apart. Provide support as these can grow to 5' You will applaud your forethought if you use agricultural paper or a thick straw mat when transplanting so that your fruits are clean when harvesting, although the husk does protect the cherry considerably. This is not a very attractive plant, so put in a sunny corner of your garden, not the front of the border. And plan on letting it have that corner for years to come as these will reseed handily if you let one or two fruits burst onto the ground at season's end.

CherryGal has been providing Organic, non-GMO, Heirloom seeds to the home gardener since 1999. Seeds are either certified organic, or organically grown in my organic garden using sustainable organic practices. My garden has not seen artificial fertilizers or chemicals in 20 years. Seeds are not treated and are FRESH to the year indicated in the title. Packets are small because we want each gardener to be able to afford a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers. By growing such a variety, you will be attracting pollinators and adding to the beauty and enjoyment of your backyard garden.