How to Plant Chinese Lanterns
Physalis alkekengi, commonly known as the Chinese lantern, is a perennial that produces papery orange pod-like flowers that dangle from the foliage like tiny paper lanterns. Fresh cuts of the flowers are often used in arrangements and can be dried out to be displayed in dry arrangements as well. If properly maintained after planting, Chinese lanterns will bloom again and again for years to come, adding splashes of elegance to your garden. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Chinese lantern seeds
- Indoor planting containers
- All-purpose fertilizer
Instructions
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Sow individual seeds in indoor containers six to eight weeks before the last frost. Water them regularly, keeping the soil moist but not too wet, as overwatering could lead to rot.
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Locate a spot in your garden that receives full sunlight when you're ready to transplant your Chinese lantern seedlings after danger of frost has passed.
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3
Till an all-purpose fertilizer solution into the soil.
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Replant your seedlings in the soil, spacing them approximately 12 to 18 inches apart so they have room to grow.
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Bury the roots 1/2 inch in the soil and cover with moist soil, patting it down around the base of the plant.
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Water new plants often, providing enough soil moisture for the plants to drink. Maintain the soil's moisture regularly, especially during drought, but don't overwater, as this could lead to plant rot and kill your new Chinese lanterns.
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Tips & Warnings
Cutting back your plants to the stems in the fall will promote hearty new growth in the spring.
