Chinese Lantern Orange

Chinese Lantern Orange: variety and characteristics

Chinese Lantern Orange (Physalis alkekengi) is an annual vegetable of the Nightshade family (Solanaceae). Small, creamy-white flowers from July to August, followed by bright orange-red fruits enclosed in papery red lanterns.

Chinese lanterns are ideal for providing autumn interest in well-drained areas of the garden.

Paper lanterns make wonderful dried flower arrangements.

Physalis bears sweet-and-sour orange berries hidden in papery "lanterns". Grown like a tomato and fruits until the first frost.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 91%
• Seeds per packet: 102–138 pcs (0.2 g)
• Seed origin: China
• Sowing: February and March; seedlings
• Harvest: July – November
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Chinese Lantern Orange

Chinese Lantern Orange seeds are sown in February and March. The crop is harvested from July to November. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Chinese Lantern Orange

• Sowing method: seedlings
• Depth: 0.5 cm
• Spacing: 60–80 cm
• Germination: 10–20 days at 22–25 °C
• Position: sunny spot

Choose a well-drained spot in full to partial sun. Chinese lanterns can tolerate various soil types but prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil. Make sure there is enough room for the mature plants to spread, as they can become somewhat invasive. Prepare the soil by removing weeds and debris from the chosen area. Work in organic matter such as compost to enrich the soil and improve moisture retention. Plant the Chinese lantern seeds about 0.6 cm deep in the prepared soil. Space them at least 60 cm apart to allow for their spreading habit. Water the planted seeds gently but generously so they settle into the soil. Make sure the soil stays consistently moist during germination and the early stages of growth. Chinese lantern seeds usually germinate in 2-3 weeks, but the germination rate may vary. Be patient and keep the soil consistently moist during this period.

Likes a warm, sunny spot and moderate watering; too much fertiliser gives leaves instead of fruit.

Harvest and use

The fruits are ready when the husk dries and turns straw-yellow; those that have fallen to the ground are also ripe.

Frequently asked questions

When should Chinese Lantern Orange be sown?

The recommended sowing months are February and March. Sowing method: seedlings.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 102–138 seeds, pack size 0.2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 91%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

Can physalis be grown in a pot?

Yes — in a container of at least 15 l on a sunny balcony it gives a good yield.