Chinese lantern
Physalis alkekengi
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 9
Flowers:
Tiny white flowers followed by orange-red calyx Flowers In Summer
Sun:
Full sun
Fruits:
yellow,orange Fruits In Autumn Ready In
Edible:
Yes
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Moderate
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Chinese lantern plants prefer evenly moist soil, but do not like to be overwatered. Water every 5-7 days, making sure that the soil is damp to the touch, but not saturated. However, keep an eye out for signs of wilting, as this indicates that you are under-watering, and increase the watering frequency if this happens. During hot summer weather, you may need to water Chinese lantern plants more frequently. Make sure to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, as this can lead to fungus and other infections.
sunlight
Chinese lanterns prefer full sun, but will tolerate light shade. They require 6 to 8 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight a day. In general, they should receive the most sunlight in the morning, with partial shade in the afternoon, as intense afternoon sunlight can be damaging to the plant. In extremely hot climates, the plant should receive more shade during the day. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide good drainage.
pruning
Chinese lantern plants should be pruned annually, usually in late winter or early spring. To prune, use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut back the large stems above the soil, or the flowering stalks when the plant has finished blooming. This encourages new growth and can help keep the plant healthier. It is important not to cut back too much of the plant, as it can damage the rest of the plant.
