Until a few years ago, the physalis - also known as the Andean berry or Cape gooseberry - was almost unknown in our latitudes. The plant, which originally comes from South America, not only bears delicious and very healthy fruits, but is also easy to cultivate. Only frost does not tolerate the Physalis, which is used to the subtropical climate of its homeland.

Better prefer physalis

It is warm almost all year round in its homeland, which is why it is difficult for the physalis to ripen its numerous fruits in some summers. Since the sensitive seeds can only be sown around the middle to the end of May and it takes an average of three to four months from then until the fruit ripens, it is advisable to bring them forward. For this, the seeds should be grown in small seed pots on the windowsill in the living room from January, but no later than March.

Plant young plants in the garden

The seedlings can be planted outdoors as soon as night frosts are no longer to be expected - otherwise the plants, which are quite sensitive in this respect, will quickly freeze to death. Therefore, planting out is possible at the earliest from the ice saints in mid to late May. Before planting, prepare the soil with a little compost or manure that you dig into the soil. The planted Physalis will not need any other fertilizer. Keep a distance of at least one meter to the neighboring plants, as the plant is very prolific. Physalis gets along particularly well with bluebells, chrysanthemums and asters. The location should be in full sun if possible.

What to do in winter

With the exception of the tolerably hardy Chinese lantern, you must not leave the physalis outside in winter, otherwise it will freeze to death. As early as mid-October, the frost-sensitive plant gets too cold. You can grow the Andean berry as an annual and finally throw it on the compost in the fall, but since it is a perennial plant, overwintering is easily possible. However, you should cut back the physalis, dig it up and plant it in a pot.

Properly care for planted Physalis

Otherwise, your planted Physalis requires little attention. You do not have to fertilize them and only occasionally water them in extremely dry periods. The fruits ripen from mid to late August, but usually not until September. Stabilize the fast-growing plant with a trellis or a stake.

tips and tricks

In their countries of origin, the physalis often grows like weeds. To curb the strong growth, you can use root barriers, for example in the form of curbs dug into the ground.

IJA

Category:

Vegetable garden