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Physalis peruviana Little Lanterns - seeds

Physalis peruviana Golden Berry Little Lanterns
Cape gooseberry, Peruvian groundcherry, Goldenberry

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More information

This physalis is a frost-tender perennial often grown as an annual. It produces an abundance of small decorative flowers, with pale yellow corollas, speckled with brown at the base. The flowers are followed by numerous small edible fruits known as "Inca Berries". This plant thrives in pots on the terrace or balcony and can be overwintered in a cold greenhouse or conservatory.
Flower size
2 cm
Height at maturity
90 cm
Exposure
Sun
Annual / Perennial
Annual
Germination time (days)
21 days
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Sowing period March to April
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Flowering time May to July
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Description

Physalis peruviana, also known as Golden Berry Little Lanterns or Peruvian Ground Cherry, is a frost-tender perennial plant, often grown as an annual. It produces an abundance of small decorative flowers, with pale yellow corollas, speckled with brown at the base followed by numerous small edible fruits known as "Inca Berry". This plant grows well in pots on the terrace or balcony and can be overwintered in a cold greenhouse or conservatory.

 

The Peruvian Ground Cherry (also known as Cape Gooseberry or Ground Cherry) is a perennial plant in the Solanaceae family, native to South America and endemic to Chile, Colombia, and Peru. This hairy plant is evergreen in warm climates. Its rapid growth allows it to be grown as an annual with a harvest of fruits in autumn. It forms a bush with upright and branching stems, reaching 90 cm (35in) in all directions. The bright green foliage is persistent in mild climates and composed of ovate to cordate leaves, with entire or slightly toothed edges, 6 to 15 cm (2 to 6in) long and 4 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) wide. It flowers from May-June, sometimes until autumn. The small 1.5 cm (1in) by 2 cm (1in) flowers are pale yellow and brown. They are followed by round berries, 1 to 1.5 cm (0 to 1in) in diameter, enclosed in a small 'pod' of fused leaves resembling a lantern. The berries are bright yellow-orange when ripe, with a sweet and sugary taste, ideal for pies and jams.

 

The Peruvian Ground Cherry is a cousin of the Chinese Lantern Plant, unique and undemanding to grow in the vegetable garden or on the terrace. It can be kept for several years in regions with mild winters, or overwintered. It is easy to grow from seed. Ripe berries, rich in vitamins A and C, can be used to decorate desserts. They can be consumed fresh, as they are, in jam (pectin needs to be added as the fruit does not contain any) or as dried fruit, in sweet or savoury dishes. Fruits remaining inside their husk can be stored at room temperature for over a month.
 
Attention! The fruits are toxic when green and can cause gastroenteritis or intestinal disorders if eaten. Take extra care when young children are around.

 

 

 

Flowering

Flower colour yellow
Flowering time May to July
Inflorescence Solitary
Flower size 2 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 90 cm
Spread at maturity 90 cm
Growth rate fast

Botanical data

Genus

Physalis

Species

peruviana

Cultivar

Golden Berry Little Lanterns

Family

Solanaceae

Other common names

Cape gooseberry, Peruvian groundcherry, Goldenberry

Origin

South America

Product reference931111

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Planting and care

Sowing:

Sow Physalis seeds from February to March at a temperature of 18-21°C (64.4-69.8°F), on the surface of good quality soil and lightly cover the seeds with vermiculite. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and do not exclude light. Place in a propagator or enclose the seed tray inside a polythene bag until germination, which usually takes up to 21 days. When the young plants are large enough to handle, transplant them and grow them on at a minimum temperature of 15°C (59°F) until they reach 20cm (8in) high. When all risk of frost has passed, plant the physalis in any well-drained soil in full sun or in the conservatory or greenhouse.

Cultivation:

The soil for Physalis peruviana does not need to be very rich. They need well-draining soil and can tolerate poor, sandy soil. Physalis plants can grow quite large, so space the plants one metre apart in all directions and place stakes near each plant. Pruning is not necessary to obtain fruits but can be useful to limit the width. Water regularly to achieve a beautiful bush.


 

16
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Sowing period

Sowing period March to April
Germination time (days) 21 days

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Border, Container, Vegetable garden, Conservatory
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, well-draining

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