How to Grow Chinese Lantern Plant Outdoors

Chinese Lantern Plant, also known as Physalis alkekengi, is a beautiful ornamental plant that is popular for its stunning orange-red papery lantern-like husks. It is an easy-to-grow plant that can thrive both indoors and outdoors. In this article, we will explore how to grow Chinese Lantern Plant outdoors.

Choosing the Right Location

The first step in growing Chinese Lantern Plant outdoors is to choose the right location. This plant prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.

Choose an area in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Avoid planting the Chinese Lantern Plant in areas that are prone to waterlogging, as this can cause root rot.

Planting

Chinese Lantern Plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. If you plan to grow from seeds, start them indoors in early spring, and transplant outdoors once the seedlings have grown to about six inches tall.

When planting, dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the plant. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, gently tamping down around the base of the plant.

Water the plant thoroughly after planting and keep the soil moist until it establishes.

Care and Maintenance

Chinese Lantern Plant requires minimal care once established. Here are some tips for maintaining healthy plants:

• Water regularly: Water your plant deeply once a week during dry spells. Avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot.
• Fertilize sparingly: Chinese Lantern Plant does not require frequent fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in early spring.
• Prune as needed: Prune any dead or damaged branches in early spring before new growth appears.
• Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.

Harvesting

The fruit of Chinese Lantern Plant is edible but not particularly tasty. However, the papery lantern-like husks are a popular decorative feature in floral arrangements.

Harvest the husks when they have turned bright orange-red and have dried out. Cut the stems with scissors, leaving enough stem to attach to floral arrangements.

Common Problems and Solutions

Chinese Lantern Plant is generally a hardy plant, but it can be susceptible to some problems. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent this, avoid overwatering and provide good air circulation around the plant.
• Aphids: These tiny insects suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and distort. To control aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Spider mites: These tiny pests also suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and stippling. To control spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

FAQ

Can Chinese Lantern Plant be grown in containers?

Yes, Chinese Lantern Plant can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the root system.

Is Chinese Lantern Plant invasive?

Chinese Lantern Plant can be invasive in some areas. Check with your local extension office before planting.

How long does it take for Chinese Lantern Plant to produce fruit?

Chinese Lantern Plant produces fruit in late summer or early fall, about 4-5 months after planting.

In conclusion, growing Chinese Lantern Plant outdoors is an easy and rewarding experience. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy its beautiful papery lantern-like husks for years to come.