PHYSALIS ALKEKENGI V. FRANCHETII CHINESE LANTERNS

With nodding, bell-shaped 1” creamy white blooms and followed by bright orange papery ‘lanterns’ that enclose a round red berry. Cut the stems for dried arrangements as soon as lanterns turn bright orange and hang upside down in a dark, airy place for a few weeks to dry and use during the winter as a dried flower. 3’.

Surface sow onto moist, well drained compost in the Spring. Do not cover the seed, just simply press into the soil. Place in a propagator at a temperature of 64-70F (18-21C) or seal in a plastic bag to maintain humidity - germination can take around 3-4 weeks after which admit some air.

Transplant the seedlings into 3" pots when large enough to handle and grow on in cooler conditions allowing the young plants to acclimatise when any danger of frost has passed. The plants prefer a well drained soil in full or partial sun and are also ideal for container planting.

No pruning is required however the plant may become a little invasive if planted in a border and so worth creating a physical barrier around the crown of the plant.