Chinese Lantern Plant Seeds

$2.00

Chinese Lantern Plant Seeds

$2.00

Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii 'Gigantea'

|100 Seeds|

This lovely 2-foot perennial produces pretty seed pods, which are bright red-orange and look like glowing Chinese lanterns. Great as a fresh cut flower or dried for craft projects. So popular at farmers' markets, as every one just loves these. Chinese lantern are grown not for flowers but for the papery 2" lantern looking calyxes that mature to a vivid orange in late summer. The plants grow to 3 feet tall, hardy zone 4-8. Sow seeds in spring. Perennial. Hardy to zone 2. Blooms summer. Full sun to light shade. Bright orange, lantern-shaped papery seed cases will glow in your garden in late summer. Brilliant color for fresh or dried arrangements. Fun for decorating fall or Halloween wreaths. Can be invasive. Plant in containers or harvest seed cases to prevent reseeding.1-2' Tall Full Sun The Orange lanterns assume a completely different appearance when, after drying, you cut the calyces into four to form star-shaped flowers, mounting each separately on wire. Plants spread to make a fine decorative choice as a filler or for backgrounds.

Tips on How to Grow Chinese Latern from Seeds

Plant Chinese Lantern seeds indoors 4 - 6 weeks before the last frost in your area. Or, you can direct seed them after the last frost date.
Because of the long germination period, we recommend an indoor start.
We also recommend a heated germination mat for faster germination as well as more successful.
Keep the soil moist, not wet. Add a general purpose fertilizer once a month. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the plants to keep weeds down, and to retain moisture.
Once your Chinese Lantern plants are established, they will grow well, with little or no attention, for many years.
Press into soil and barely cover. Light aids germination.
Keep at 70°F., germination is in 14-21 days.