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The exotic plants of the genus Physalis, which include the pretty but poisonous lantern flower and the delicious Andean berry, should not overwinter outdoors if possible. The perennials are not hardy, but can be overwintered relatively easily.
Overwinter Andean berry
In this country, the Andean berry is usually grown as an annual plant, since - similar to the tomato - it germinates, grows, flowers and bears fruit within one vegetation period. The plant, originally from South America, is actually perennial, but does not survive the German winter with its sometimes severe frosts. You can easily overwinter your Andean berry indoors or in the conservatory, but it is best transplanted into a pot. However, physalis also thrives in a bucket and can therefore be cultivated in one straight away - this makes it easier to overwinter later.
How to overwinter the Andean berry
- Physalis should be brought indoors before the first frost.
- Place potted plants in a room that is not too dark and has a maximum temperature of 10 to 15 °C.
- Physalis is evergreen, so the room should be as bright as possible.
- It is best to dig up physalis that have been planted in the garden and place them in a pot.
- Water the plant regularly, fertilizing is not necessary in winter.
- Cut back the Andean berry heavily in spring.
- It will sprout again from the roots.
Overwinter Chinese lanterns
The poisonous lantern flower is significantly more robust than the Andean berry from South America. It is usually sufficient to cover the plant with plenty of brushwood in autumn. Finally, in the spring, it is pruned back vigorously - like almost all Physalis species, the Chinese lantern reproduces via rhizomes. These are stolons that grow straight from the root.
Why overwinter Physalis?
Physalis germinate quite reliably and also grow quickly. However, the German summer is usually too short for the numerous fruits to ripen in time before the first frost. If you overwinter your physalis, you shorten the growing season of the plant so that you can start harvesting as early as July. You can also put the plant in the winter quarters with unripe fruits, because these will continue to ripen on the bush.
tips and tricks
Physalis, especially the lantern flower, tends to become rampant and can quickly reach amazing proportions. Therefore, you should limit planted specimens with root barriers embedded in the ground.
IJA