Chinese Lantern Plant (Physalis Peruviana) 150 seeds (#1302)

Originating from Peru, Physalis peruviana became commonly known as the Cape Gooseberry due to its rise in popularity and cultivation in South Africa in the 1800's. It is now known under a variety of names - Physalis, Golden Berry, Giant Ground Cherry, Peruvian Ground Cherry, Peruvian Cherry, Poha, Jam Fruit, Uvula, Chua - the list is almost endless, but in our opinion none do true justice to the lovely cheerful fruit.
Following pretty yellow flowers with a chocolate blotch centre, the bright orange yellow fruits are produced - not that you would know as each is formed within a delicate papery pod. Whilst the papery pods make the fruit extremely decorative (and so a popular exotic garnish for restaurant desserts) the husk actually serves a more important purpose in that picked fruit left within the husk will have a 'shelf life' of a month or more at room temperature.
With a gorgeously sweet flavour these are perfect for eating raw and are great in fruit salads; in some parts of the world they are often served with Avocado. They are also wonderful for making pies or jam with.
As these are not hardy in the UK, many treat them as an annual which is such shame. Lift before first frosts, pot into a large container and let over-winter in a frost free greenhouse or similar
Perfect for container growing.
Physalis can be planted in either full sun or partial shade. It is best to plant them on the sunniest side of your home but in an area that isn’t exposed to full sun for more than 8 hours a day.
Because Physalis can become invasive, it is best to plant it in a pot or in a garden that’s contained. We recommend buying a large, plain terra cotta pot to place with your other herbs and flowers to give the landscaping texture, height and a punch of color.
Information source: https://www.victoriananursery.co.uk/Cape_Gooseberry/
Approximately 150 seeds in 0,2g packet.

Genus - Physalis
Species - Peruviana
Common name - Chinese Lantern Plant
Pre-Treatment - Not-required
Hardiness zones - 2 - 9
Height - 0,60 - 0,90 m
Spread - 0,60 - 0,90 m
Plant type - Annual or perennial
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Fast
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Normal, sandy, clay
Water requirements - Average, moist
Landscape uses - Good accent plant for borders, containers. Used for Thanksgiving and Halloween arrangements.
Bloom season - Mid summer
Leaf / Flower color - Green / Yellow

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
Seed - sow March/April in a greenhouse only just covering the seed. Germination usually takes place quickly and freely (seeds will germinate in two - three weeks in warm temperature - +18-22°C (65-72°F).
Prick out the seedlings into individual pots of fairly rich soil when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer. Diurnal temperature fluctuations assist germination.
It is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Info source: pfaf.org.