Flower Specifications
- Season: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 4- 8
- Height: 24 inches
- Bloom Season: Summer and fall
- Bloom Color: White
- Environment: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Average to moist soil, pH 6.2 - 7.4
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
- Care & Maintenance: See: Chinese Lantern
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. The white flowers will be replaced by green seed pods that will eventually turn orange or red. Chinese Lantern makes a great dried seed pod, and it can also be used in dry floral arrangements. The brightly colored seed pods are hollow and are dried best while still fresh by hanging upside down in a cool place. Children love the "lantern" seed pods! The plants spreads easily by rhizomes, so make sure you plant in a contained area.
Chinese Lantern flower seed can be planted indoors in trays and lightly covered with soil. Will take anywhere from 14 - 28 days to germinate. Or you can sow the flower seed directly outdoors, leaving 24 inches between plants. Make sure the soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed.
