Ground Cherry ‘Aunt Molly’s’

*Ark of Taste Heirloom*
(aka husk cherry, cape gooseberry)(Physalis pruinosa) About the closest we can come to real tropical fruit flavor from our northwest garden! Related to the tomatillo, ground cherries are low growing plants that produce an abundance of fruit about the size of a large marble enclosed in papery husks. The flavor can best be described as a combination of banana and pineapple with a hint of muskiness from its nightshade lineage. When ripe, the yellow fruit drops with the husk attached and can easily be gathered from around the base of the plant. Great for snacking out of hand and also makes a nice dried fruit, jam, or chutney. The small fruits will keep in their husks from 2-3 weeks.
75 days. UO

Packet: 50 seeds

[split]

Growing Info

SOWING:

Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date.

Transplant out after danger of frost (55+F nighttime temps).

Note: Seeds are very slow to germinate! 

PLANTING DEPTH:

1/8-1/4″

SPACING:

18-24″ spacing in rows 5′ apart.

EMERGENCE:

14-20 days @ soil temp 75-85F

LIGHT:

Full sun

FERTILITY:

Medium-Heavy. Prefers well-drained, well-balanced fertile soil with a pH between 6.0-7.5. Tolerant to drought, cold, and lower fertility once established.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Row cover may be used for extra warmth and possible earlier fruit set.

Fruit will drop when ripe. You may also gently shake the bush.

We don’t trellis or stake these, but you certainly could! They sprawl!

Bear until heavy frost. So, Much. Fruit.