Grow a garden filled with the delightful Chinese Lantern, from freshly harvested Physalis alkekengi flower seeds. Chinese Lantern will produce ornamental, lantern shaped blooms, that hang from slender stems. They resemble the traditional, paper Chinese Lantern in Chinese culture. The lanterns come in a deep orange coloring and are often used in dried bouquets and floral arrangements. They are perfect for arts and crafts as well. Chinese Lantern plants will grow to a mature height of roughly 24 inches tall.
Chinese Lantern is grown as a perennial flowering plant. Perennials will achieve a deep root system in its initial year of growth. The plants will then wilt on the surface, only to later return the following Spring season. On its second year of growth, the plants will produce blooms throughout the warm months of late Spring and summer. Seeds can be collected from the dried pods and additional plants can be established for years to come.
Quick Facts
- Type: Flower
- Color: Orange
- Height: 24″ Tall
- Width: 24″ – 30″ Spread
- Season: Perennial
- Zones: 4 to 8
- Environment: Full sun / partial shade
- Uses: Ornamental plant used in pots / containers or directly in the garden. Perfect for dried bouquets and for use in arts and crafts.
Sowing The Seed
Chinese Lanterns can be fussy when germinating so patience is the key. It is recommended to start indoors in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow the flat, yellow seeds to the surface of the soil, allowing direct light to reach them as this is crucial in the germination process. Transplant or direct sow outdoors when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed.
Growing Conditions
Chinese Lanterns will enjoy an area of full sunlight to partial shade. They will thrive in temperatures that are are around 70F to 75F. The soil should be average, but also well drained, with a pH level of 6.2 to 7.4. Adding a light compost to hard, compact soil will increase drainage. Water daily until germination has occurred, but avoid overwatering and / or soaking.
Germination & Growth
You will begin to see sprouts within 14 to 21 days after sowing. The plants themselves will reach a mature height of roughly 24 inches tall and can be spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart. The Chinese Lantern, once established, will produce beautiful, paper like pods that resemble the paper lanterns in Chinese Culture.