Physalis alkekangi - Chinese Lantern - Seeds

Description

• Solanaceae Solanales
• Caucasus, China
• H 0.5m x L 0.3m
•  Z6 
• Perennial
• 1 packet of 25 seeds

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Detail

Chinese Lantern is grown as an ornamental for its paperized bright orange chalices, lantern-shaped, which are used in winter in dry bouquets

The fruit, hidden in each "lantern" is a small red berry containing seeds

It is edible, rich in vitamin C, but of little culinary interest (or even unpleasant taste)

The plant has a long history for its medicinal properties: Antipyretic, Antitussive, Diuretic, Expectorant, and Litholytic

Original, easy to grow, maintenance-free once installed, resisting to frosts and occasional droughts, which will delight you in the ornamental garden (fresh green foliage, decorative fruits) as well as in the house during winter (beautiful dry bouquets)

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Cultivation

Sow seeds in godets at a warm temperature in April

Transplant in a well prepared soil enriched with manure, fresh, in partial shade or full sun

Physalis alkekangi is a perennial and will set its network of fleshy roots on the first year

Flowering and fruiting starts on the first year on plants from April sowing

Your Chinese Lantern will grow back each year from the roots, and eventually form a pretty nice volume after a few years (non-invasive)

Protect young shoots from slugs in spring