Physalis peruviana seeds

Physalis or Peruvian Groundcherry is native to South America (Peru, Chile, Colombia) and has acclimatised in many areas such as South Africa or Australia. It has small yellow to bright orange fruits nestled in a calyx shaped like a Chinese lantern.
The fruit has a slightly acidic flavour and resembles a tangerine. In this particular variety, it can grow to the size of a large cherry or even a small apricot.
The exotic silhouette of the calyx once again proves that a vegetable garden can be both productive and attractive. Sow from May to July and harvest from August to October.

The Groundcherry or Physalis belongs to the Solanaceae family and produces trailing stems. It blooms in summer, and from September to October it produces fruits that resemble coral-coloured paper lanterns. As the calyx dries it will reveal its veins and give a lace-like effect, then showing the fruit inside: a treasure in a case... or a cage. They contain a multitude of small seeds that self-sow from year to year. Today, physalis are used as decoration on pastries, as well as in compotes, jams, clafoutis, and in more savoury preparations like the Mexican sauce Salsa verde. It is well-known in herbal medicine for its depurative and antioxidant qualities. Be careful, the berries are toxic when eaten green!

Harvesting: Physalis peruviana can be harvested as early as August when the fruits have taken on their beautiful golden yellow colour and the calyx is papery. One plant can yield 250 to 300 fruits.

Storage: Physalis fruits are generally eaten fresh. They can be stored for a few days in the vegetable compartment of your refrigerator. They can also be dried. To achieve this, keep them in a dry and well-ventilated place, without touching each other where they can be stored for a few months.

Gardener's tip: Physalis can sometimes be prone to whitefly infestations. These small insects, from the same family as aphids, are only a nuisance if they are too numerous. A peppermint infusion or even a spray of water mixed with soap will get rid of them without resorting to chemicals. Natural predators of aphids, such as ladybugs or lacewings, should be encouraged.