Physalis edulis - Vilmorin seeds

The Peruvian Groundcherry is a perennial but frost-sensitive plant that can reach up to 1m (3ft) in height. It is cultivated for its beautiful orange fruits, covered with a calyx, which are consumed raw in fruit salads, or in jams and sauces. Sow in March - April for a harvest in September-October.

The Physalis or Peruvian Groundcherry originates from South America (Peru, Chile, Colombia) and has acclimatised in many areas such as South Africa or Australia. It produces small yellow to bright orange fruits enclosed in a calyx shaped like a Chinese lantern.

The fruit has a slightly acidic flavour which resembles that of a tangerine. This variety can grow as large as a large cherry or even a small apricot. The exotic silhouette of the calyx proves, once again, that the vegetable garden can be both nourishing and aesthetically pleasing. Sowing takes place from May to July and the harvest of the calyxes occurs from August to October.

The Physalis or  Groundcherry belongs to the Solanaceae family and produces trailing stems, which help it achieve its beautiful spreading habit. Flowering takes place in summer and is followed by fruiting from September to October, resembling a coral-coloured paper lantern. The drying of the calyx exposes the nervature and gives a lace-like effect, then reveals, enclosed, the fruit inside: a caged treasure. They contain a multitude of small seeds that self-sow from one year to the next. Today, physalis is used for decoration on pastries but also in compotes, jams, clafoutis, and in more spicy preparations like the Mexican sauce Salsa verde. And it has always been used in herbal medicine, being renowned for its detoxifying and antioxidant properties. Warning: the berries are toxic when consumed green!

Harvest: Physalia peruviana is harvested from August when the fruits have taken on their most beautiful golden yellow colour and the calyx is very parchment-like. One plant can yield 250 to 300 fruits.

Storage: physalis fruits are generally consumed fresh. They can be stored for a few days in the vegetable compartment of your refrigerator. They can also be dried. They should be left in a dry and well-ventilated place, without touching each other, and can be stored for a few months.

Gardener's tip: physalis plants are sometimes prone to infestations of whiteflies. These small insects, belonging to the same family as aphids, are only a nuisance if they are present in large numbers. A peppermint infusion or even a spray of water mixed with black soap will get rid of them without resorting to chemicals. Natural predators of aphids such as ladybirds or lacewings are also to be favoured.