Physalis - Living Lanterns in the Garden

In short: Physalis grows best in sun or light shade in deep, humus-rich soil that holds moisture. Sow indoors in March or April and plant out after the frosts. Chinese lantern (P. alkekengi) is a hardy perennial 40-60 cm tall, while Cape gooseberry (P. peruviana) does not survive frost and is grown as an annual.

Ground cherries (lat. Physalis) are a genus of plants belonging to the nightshade family (lat. Solanaceae). Around 120 species of ground cherries have been described worldwide, growing mainly in South, Central, and North America. Ground cherries are most abundant in Mexico. In our gardens, we most commonly encounter two species of ground cherry: the Chinese lantern (lat. Physalis alkekengi) and the Cape gooseberry (lat. Physalis peruviana). The fruit of both these species are typical orange-red lanterns that will become a decoration for any garden. Grow them in YOUR garden too!

Chinese Lantern

The Chinese lantern is a perennial plant that survives winter without problems. The Chinese lantern can grow to a height of 40-60 cm. Spirally arranged leaves of ovate to triangular shape grow on unbranched stems. The flower of the Chinese lantern resembles the flowers of other nightshade plants (e.g., tomato flower). Chinese lantern flowers are white in color. The fruit of the Chinese lantern are berries hidden in a typical red "lantern". The plant's name is derived from the shape of this fruit covering. The red fruit covering resembles part of Jewish clothing called the "Phrygian cap", which Jews wore from the early Middle Ages. The Chinese lantern originally grew over a vast territory from southern Europe to eastern and southern Asia. Today it has spread even further, rapidly expanding in new locations and soon becoming naturalized. The Chinese lantern is most commonly found on limestone substrates and in oak forests.

• Chinese lantern variety "Franchetii" is characterized by large orange fruits that are edible when ripe

Cape Gooseberry

The Cape gooseberry is also a perennial plant, but in our climatic conditions it is grown as an annual, because it does not survive frost. It grows to a height of approximately 30-100 cm. The entire plant is covered with dense hairs. The stem barely branches, with leaves growing alternately from it. The leaves are ovate with a rather heart-shaped base. The flowers are white and, like the Chinese lantern, resemble the flowers of other nightshade plants. The fruit is a berry hidden in a lantern-like covering. As the very name of this ground cherry species suggests, its original homeland is South America, particularly Peru, Colombia, Chile, and Venezuela. The Cape gooseberry began spreading to other countries worldwide in the 19th century. At that time, settlers brought it to southern Africa. Today, the Cape gooseberry can be found in almost all areas in temperate climate zones. Cape gooseberries most commonly grow in moist montane forests and at their edges. In favorable conditions, Cape gooseberries can form very dense thickets that can displace even native vegetation.

• Peruvian ground cherry for drying is a special variety particularly suitable for drying, the dried stems with numerous "lanterns" will enliven any dried arrangement

Growing Ground Cherries

Ground cherries thrive best in a sunny or slightly shaded location. They require plenty of light. For growing ground cherries, deep humus-rich soil that retains sufficient moisture is ideal. Ground cherry seedlings are sown in March, at the latest in April, in a propagation device (e.g., mini greenhouse). Sown seeds need adequate moisture and room temperature for germination. Mature seedlings are transplanted to their final location only after the frosts have passed. Although ground cherries are frost-resistant, stronger frosts could damage young seedlings. During the season, care for ground cherries similarly to tomatoes. Water them as needed, remove weeds. Regular fertilizing won't do any harm. For exemplary care, ground cherries will reward you in autumn with a large quantity of red "lanterns".

Warning: Unripe fruits and ground cherry plants are mildly toxic to humans due to high solanine content, just like unripe tomatoes!

Ripe ground cherry fruits are healthy and tasty

Only ripe ground cherry fruits are suitable for consumption. Dried ripe fruits of Chinese lantern have diuretic effects and are used in treating kidney and urinary tract diseases. Peruvian ground cherry fruits contain high amounts of vitamin C. Their consumption speeds up recovery. In the form of baths, ground cherry can be used as support in treating gout and rheumatism. Ripe Peruvian ground cherry fruits are sought after for their interesting taste, which remotely resembles pineapple. The fruits are consumed either fresh, preserved, or dried. Fresh ground cherry fruits are added to fruit salads. Larger quantities of ground cherry fruits can be preserved (pierce the fruits before preserving so sugar can penetrate) or dried. Excellent jam can be prepared from Peruvian ground cherry fruits.

Tip: The red "lanterns" protect ground cherry fruits from drying out, so remove them only just before consumption or processing.