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Chinese Lantern Seeds
SEASON
Perennial
USDA ZONES
4- 8
HEIGHT
24 inches
BLOOM SEASON
Summer and fall
BLOOM COLOR
White turning to orange
ENVIRONMENT
Full sun to partial shade
SOIL TYPE
Average to moist soil, pH 6.2 - 7.4
DEER RESISTANT
Yes
HOUSE PLANT
No
About...
Chinese Lantern (Physalis Alkekengi) - Chinese Lantern flower seed produces an ornamental flower that has an orange seed pod that looks like glowing orange paper lanterns. Physalis Alkekengi perennial plants have white flowers in the summer that will be replaced by green seed pods that will eventually turn orange or red in the early fall.
MORE PHYSALIS OPTIONS
Planting Directions
TEMPERATURE
65F
AVERAGE GERM TIME
14 - 28 days
LIGHT REQUIRED
Yes
DEPTH
1/16 inch
SOWING RATE
3 seeds per plant
MOISTURE
Keep moist until germination
PLANT SPACING
24 inches
Chinese Lantern (Physalis Alkekengi) - Chinese Lantern flower seed produces an ornamental flower that has an orange seed pod that looks like glowing orange paper lanterns. Physalis Alkekengi perennial plants have white flowers in the summer that will be replaced by green seed pods that will eventually turn orange or red in the early fall. Chinese Lantern plants are often grown for drying as the orange seed pods dry well and can also be used in dried floral arrangements. The Chinese Lantern plants are known for their rhizomes which spread. Many gardeners recommend confining its growth so that it does not become too aggressive. Another common name for Chinese Lantern is Strawberry Ground Cherry.
Chinese Lantern seeds can be planted indoors 6 - 8 weeks before in the end of frost season. Using starter trays or small pots, lightly cover the flower seeds with soil. Or, once danger of frost has passed, the Physalis Alkekengi seeds can be started directly outdoors, leaving 24 inches between plants. Keep the flower seeds moist until germination.
Common Questions
Can you grow Chinese lanterns in pots?
Chinese lanterns can thrive in pots if certain conditions are met. Make sure the pot has proper drainage and is spacious enough to accommodate the plant's full size. Keep in mind that these plants can reach heights and widths of 2 to 3 feet, so select a pot that can accommodate their growth.
Are Chinese lanterns hard to grow?
Chinese lantern plants are usually easy to cultivate when given suitable conditions. They thrive in well-draining soil with a pH level ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 and appreciate a sunny to partially shaded spot. Consistent watering and annual pruning are essential for their optimal growth.
Is Physalis alkekengi invasive?
Physalis alkekengi can become invasive in certain environments because of their spreading root system. It's advisable to confine them to a specific garden area or plant them in pots to manage their growth.
Do Chinese lanterns come back every year?
Chinese lantern plants are considered perennial, indicating their ability to come back each year, as long as they are cultivated in suitable conditions and the winters do not exceed their hardiness level.
Can you eat the fruit of a Chinese lantern?
No, It contains solanine, a toxic glycoalkaloid that can lead to poisoning in humans and animals, even in small quantities, and may be deadly. Unlike tomatillos, the Chinese lantern's paper husks turn a vibrant orange as the berries ripen, aiding in plant identification.
Is Chinese lantern a vine?
With a mature height of only two feet, it is not a vine, and it does not require any support.
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