Edible when ripe and beautiful
Physalis Alkekengi is also called Japanese lantern, winter cherry or strawberry ground cherry. The Physalis alkekengi is a bushy annual plant whose stems reach from 0.70 m to 1 meter with many small fruits the size of a cherry, yellow orange, juicy and slightly tart flavor. These berries are surrounded by a green husk which will open up to a light beige fruits when ripe. Fruits should not be eaten immature as they are toxic (solanine). They can be eaten well ripe, raw (fresh or dried) or cooked. Picture for illustration only.
Scientific Name: Physalis alkekengi
Plant Life Cycle: annual
Optimal Germination Temperature: 24C-28C
Germination time in days: 7 -10 days
Indicative Days to maturity: 75 Days
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil requirement: well drained and rich.
Sowing and cultivation: Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before your last frost. Place your seeds on top of the soil and then cover lightly with a thin layer of soil, about 6 mm deep. Pat soil gently. Water after planting seeds. Keep soil moist. Please note that ground cherries have a low germination rate so it is advised to sow more than you need. They also do not like overwatering. When the plants are established, thin them and give them about 2 square feet to spread. If you choose to direct sow, plant seeds after your last frost. Space the plants 90 cm apart in rows 90 to 120 cm feet apart
