Aunt Molly's

Family: Solanaceae Fruit Vegetable

Sun-warmed sweetness pours from Aunt Molly’s ground cherries, framed by papery husks that turn a burnished golden-tan as the fruit ripens.

The berries are tender and juicy with a delicate, tangy depth—an irresistible treat straight from the plant, and a standout for preserves and bright sauces. Grow this 80-day favorite for a steady harvest of lantern-like fruit that looks as delightful as it tastes in the garden.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 80 DaysHabit: Indeterminate

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 14th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 20th
Harvest Begins	Sep 8th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	80
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Indeterminate
Support Needed	Stake
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	75
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

These ground cherries (Aunt Molly’s) taste like a tiny, juicy fruit with a clean tang that doesn’t turn muddy when cooked—short simmer time is key to keep the brightness. Their husk-wrapped sweetness makes them especially good in quick preserves and relishes where you want fruit juiciness to stay distinct rather than collapse into jam.

Best Uses

fresh snacking—husk the fruit at the table for maximum aroma
quick jam or preserve with a short boil to keep the tang lively
bright salsa or relish for pork and roasted poultry
stirred into a warm compote to gloss oatmeal or ricotta

Flavor Profile

sun-warmed sweetness bright tangy edge tender, juicy bite soft, custardy snap when ripe

Kitchen Pairings

lime ginger honey pork chile vanilla

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage early blight on Aunt Molly's tomatoes?

Early blight usually shows as dark, concentric “target” spots on older leaves, then spreads upward. Remove and discard infected lower leaves and avoid wetting foliage; water at the soil line. If it keeps spreading, spray with a labeled copper fungicide or chlorothalonil according to the product label, starting at the first spots and repeating as directed.

How often should I water Aunt Molly's tomatoes during the main growing phase?

During active growth and fruit set (roughly after the first flowers), keep soil evenly moist with about 1–1.5 inches of water per week, split into 2–3 deeper waterings if it’s hot. Water when the top 1 inch of soil dries out, and ensure the moisture reaches 8–12 inches deep to support steady fruit growth. Don’t let it swing between dry and soggy—irregular watering increases blossom-end rot and causes cracking.

When is Aunt Molly's ready to harvest, and how can I tell?

Harvest when fruits are fully colored for the variety (green-to-ripe stages vary, but look for uniform ripe red/orange tone) and the skin is glossy. Gently twist or cut the fruit—ripe Aunt Molly's tomatoes should detach easily from the stem without pulling. Most plants are ready around 80 days from transplanting or as indicated on your packet, with larger fruits ripening first.