How to Design Physalis Flower Bed

Physallis peruviana, also known as Chinese lantern, goldbenberry, winter cherry, husk tomato and cape gooseberry, is a member of the Solanaceae family. These tropical perennials grow from 2 to 6 feet high, with velvety, serrated leaves and purplish wood. These plants produce hanging husks in summer and early autumn, with round, globular seeds in the husks. Grow these plants in groups for their colorful foliage, bright yellow blooms and decorative seedpods.

Garden fork
Organic compost or garden loam
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Plant Physalis seeds or seedlings in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11 for long-term outdoor growing. Plant in midspring after the last frost to give the plants a warm, frost-free start. These plants fail in frost.
- 2
  Choose sites for your Physalis plantings. Give the plants a bed with partial to full shade or filtered sun. These plants hail from woodlands and do best with cool, moist planting sites that mimic the forest floor. Allow at least 3 feet of growing space for each plant.
- 3
  Turn 3 to 4 inches of garden loam or organic compost into the top 8 inches of soil in every planting site. Physalis grow in sand, loamy or clay-based soil with little nutrition, but they always need quick-draining soil. As woodland plants, they do best in organic, moisture-retaining soils.
- 4
  Plant Physalis as seeds or seedlings in the flower bed and start them on 2 inches of water every week. Use organic mulch, such as dead leaves, grass clippings or bark, to maintain soil moisture through the season.

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