Aunt Molly's Ground Cherry (Physalis pruinosa)
Sun-Warmed Fruit Wrapped in Gold
Aunt Molly’s Ground Cherry is a charming, low-growing heirloom that dots the garden with lantern-like husks that glow pale gold as they ripen. Its softly spreading branches hold velvety, heart-shaped leaves and delicate, star-faced yellow blossoms that mature into papery pods—each enclosing a small, sun-sweetened fruit. Native to the warm, open meadows and woodland edges of Central and South America, this compact annual thrives in full light and well-drained soil, flourishing as a dependable summer producer. When fully ripe, the husks dry to a whispery tan and the berries drop gently to the ground, signaling their peak flavor and readiness.
Inside each little husk lies a treasure: a bright, honeyed, pineapple-meets-vanilla flavor that makes this small fruit truly extraordinary. Aunt Molly’s is one of the sweetest, most aromatic ground cherries, prized for its exceptional snacking quality, long shelf life, and generous yields. Its golden fruits bring a burst of color and sweetness to the garden while offering a delightful, ornamental presence throughout the season.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
Ground cherries have deep roots across the Americas, where Indigenous communities cultivated and foraged them for their sweetness, nutrition, and versatility. Traditionally enjoyed fresh, dried, or cooked, they appear in chutneys, jams, salsas, relishes, and pastries throughout Latin American and North American cuisines. Aunt Molly’s, a beloved Polish heirloom brought to North America by immigrant farmers, became especially prized in homestead kitchens for its long-lasting fruits—often stored in their husks well into winter. Today, the ground cherry remains a cherished heritage crop, connecting growers and cooks to a shared history of abundance, preservation, and seasonal delight.
Why Grow Aunt Molly’s Ground Cherry?
- Produces abundant, sweet, golden fruits with a bright, tropical flavor
- Low-growing, ornamental plants with beautiful lantern-like husks
- Easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and highly productive
- Supports pollinators with summer blooms
- Heirloom variety with rich culinary and cultural significance