Description

Chinese Lantern (Physalis alkekengi), also known as winter cherry, is a favorite for dried arrangements due to its brilliant color and unique shape. The plant features small, white, star-shaped flowers that develop into striking red-orange calyces by late summer and fall, adding vibrant late-season color to borders, beds, and containers. Though a perennial in USDA zones 3–9, Chinese Lantern is often grown as an annual, as it readily spreads by self-sowing or underground roots. It thrives in full sun and is a great addition to fall/winter decorations, making it an essential plant for both gardeners and florists alike.

This packet has 70 seeds.

Variety Info:

Botanical Name: Physalis alkekengi
Family: Solanaceae
Native: Asia and Europe
Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 3-9
Plant Dimensions: 12″–24″ tall
Variety Information: Flowers are small, white and star-shaped, with calyces that enlarge and change from green to red-orange in late summer/fall
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Period: Summer
Attributes: Cut Flower

Sowing Info:

When to Sow Outside: 1 to 2 weeks before your average last frost date, or in summer up to 2 months before your average first fall frost date.
When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date.
Days to Emerge: 20–25 days
Seed Depth: 1/8″
Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 12″–18″
Thinning: When 4″ tall, thin to 12″–18″ apart