CHINESE LANTERN Physalis gigantea

Physalis alkekengi (bladder cherry, Chinese lantern, Japanese-lantern, strawberry groundcherry, or winter cherry) is easily identifiable by the large, bright orange to red papery covering which resembles paper lanterns. It grows naturally in the regions covering Southern Europe to South Asia and Japan, and grows happily in North America. It is a perennial growing to 40–60 cm tall. The flowers are white, with a five-lobed corolla 10–15 mm across. It is a popular ornamental plant. This plant is also known as Physalis franchetii.

Type: Perennial

Height: 60-90 cm, 24-36"

Location: Part or

Hardiness zones: 4-9

Seeds per pack: 20

Note: Ornamental use only. This plant and/or parts are poisonous.

Germination: Your planting container should have holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. For best results, obtain a sterile seed-start mix, and place the seeds just under the surface of the pre-moistened growing medium. Water, and keep moist until established.