![]() It is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer. Many similarities to : Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) which belongs in the same genera but that has pale-greenish lantern, the flowers have five pointed. Diurnal temperature fluctuations assist germination. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots of fairly rich soil when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer. Germination usually takes place quickly and freely (seeds will germinate in two - three weeks in warm temperature - +18-22☌ (65-72☏). Seed - sow March/April in a greenhouse only just covering the seed. Used for Thanksgiving and Halloween arrangements. ![]() Small white bell-shaped flowers appear in summer, but they are insignificant. ![]() It is a clump-forming plant with 3-inch long medium green leaves. Landscape uses - Good accent plant for borders, containers. Chinese lantern is a hardy perennial that provides colorful fall interest and can be grown in the ground or containers. These plants are related to gooseberries and tomatillos, and each contain a. We recommend buying a large, plain terra cotta pot to place with your other herbs and flowers to give the landscaping texture, height and a punch of color.Įxposure - Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade Physalis Alkekengi is the Latin name for the Chinese or Japanese lantern plant. It is best to plant them on the sunniest side of your home but in an area that isn’t exposed to full sun for more than 8 hours a day.īecause Physalis can become invasive, it is best to plant it in a pot or in a garden that’s contained. This way, you don't have to worry about the plant aggressively spreading in your garden. You can simply remove and dispose of the container plant at the end of the growing season and start with fresh seeds the following year. Physalis can be planted in either full sun or partial shade. Starting Chinese lantern plants from seeds is a good way to grow them as annuals each year, especially in containers. Lift before first frosts, pot into a large container and let over-winter in a frost free greenhouse or similar They are also wonderful for making pies or jam with.Īs these are not hardy in the UK, many treat them as an annual which is such shame. With a gorgeously sweet flavour these are perfect for eating raw and are great in fruit salads in some parts of the world they are often served with Avocado. Whilst the papery pods make the fruit extremely decorative (and so a popular exotic garnish for restaurant desserts) the husk actually serves a more important purpose in that picked fruit left within the husk will have a 'shelf life' of a month or more at room temperature. It is now known under a variety of names - Physalis, Golden Berry, Giant Ground Cherry, Peruvian Ground Cherry, Peruvian Cherry, Poha, Jam Fruit, Uvula, Chua - the list is almost endless, but in our opinion none do true justice to the lovely cheerful fruit.įollowing pretty yellow flowers with a chocolate blotch centre, the bright orange yellow fruits are produced - not that you would know as each is formed within a delicate papery pod. I have enough trouble with other stuff without purposely introducing lanterns.Originating from Peru, Physalis peruviana became commonly known as the Cape Gooseberry due to its rise in popularity and cultivation in South Africa in the 1800's. So I have to be content with enjoying them in my friends yard. I knew that I'd have one day - and that would be all it would take, lol - one day where I wouldn't get to cut any, or even more likely, one stinking stem that I wouldn't cut, and it would find a way to spread. I kept telling myself that there would be no spreading from roots, as they would be in pots, and no spreading from seeds because I would cut them for bouquets and arrangements, but I didn't convince myself. The Chinese Lantern Plant is sometimes referred to as a Winter Cherry. It has actually tempted me to try some in pots on the patio, because I use these in fall arrangements and they are spectacularly beautiful.īut I resisted. I have a friend who grows this (and bishops weed) without any problem! Her lanterns are in a raised bed (about three feet high) that surrounds half of her house, a solid raised bed built of stone and cement, and they have grown there contained for years and years. Illuminating many a warm-weather garden in the United States, the Chinese lantern, a plant belonging to the genus Abutilon, comes in many shapes and forms.
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