Peruvian groundcherry

Physalis peruviana

A perennial bedding plant with expansive growth. It reaches a height of 60 - 120 cm. Undemanding, easy to grow and propagate. In spring, it is adorned with inconspicuous flowers, later the flowers are replaced by inflated bladders, whose color transitions from green, through yellow to bright orange and red. The bladders closely resemble lanterns and conceal small spherical fruits that are red, orange, or yellow in color. Depending on the species of Physalis, the fruits may or may not be edible.

As mentioned above, there are over 100 species of Physalis. Among the most well-known is Cape gooseberry (P. peruviana), whose fruits are edible and have a pineapple-like flavor. Chinese lantern (P. alkekengi) is grown primarily as an ornamental plant. Tomatillo or Mexican husk tomato (P. ixocarpa) belongs to the annual Physalis species. Its fruits are edible and are cultivated in America as a vegetable.

The berries of edible Physalis have a piquant, sweet-sour, very refreshing taste. They contain small amounts of sugars, pectins, provitamin A and vitamin C. Among minerals, the content of potassium, phosphorus and calcium is significant. The fruits can be made into jams, sauces, and can also be consumed raw or stewed with honey. Chinese lantern is among the most sought-after ornamental plants. Its lanterns can be used for various creative activities. The lanterns can be made into dried arrangements for a vase, or they can be stripped and incorporated into autumn wreaths, or peeled to create little stars that can be placed in a bowl as decoration. However, the greatest advantage of Physalis is their rapid growth.

How to Grow Physalis

• Plants require a sunny to partially shaded location. Water plants as needed. In our conditions, it is grown as an annual. It grows very vigorously. Therefore, carefully consider where to plant it. There is a risk that it will suppress other plants in the bed.

• Sow seeds in March to April in special substrate intended for sowing and propagation. Plant mature seedlings in their final location only in May after the last frost. For one plant, it is advisable to leave a space of approximately 0.5 x 0.5 m.

• Chinese lantern does not require any special soil. The most suitable is nutritious, permeable, moist substrate with a slightly alkaline reaction.

  Cape gooseberry requires deeply worked humus-rich soil.

• Plants do not need additional fertilization in nutritious soils, especially Chinese lantern. Cape gooseberry requires fertilization every 14 days in liquid form with complete NPK fertilizer. It is suitable to choose, for example, Cererit or Kristalon - fruit and flower.

• Plants are not attacked by any pests or birds.

• Cape gooseberry is harvested from September to October. Their ripeness can be recognized by the brownish color of the lantern. They are picked with the calyx, which must be removed after harvest to prevent the fruits from becoming bitter.

  Chinese lantern intended for decoration is harvested as needed. It can be dried in a warm, dark and airy room.