Strictly speaking, the term "Physalis" does not refer to a single plant, but to an entire genus of plants from the nightshade family. The best-known representatives are the Chinese lantern flower, native to Europe, and the Andean berry, which comes from the Andes. Both types are easy to care for and thrive in pots as well as in the garden.

Physalis need relatively little attention but a suitable location

How often does a Physalis need to be watered?

Physalis is always a very thirsty plant, its need for water, especially during fruiting, is high. It is best to water your physalis every few days, but then plenty of it. Watering again is necessary when the top layer of soil has dried. However, the root ball must not dry out even in winter.

Does a physalis need fertilizer? When Yes, how much?

The physalis does not have a particularly high nutrient requirement. On the contrary, over-fertilizing can cause the plant to wilt or overgrow - at the expense of the fruit. Specimens planted out in the garden only need some compost or manure before planting. Potted Physalis, on the other hand, should be treated with liquid tomato or vegetable fertilizer (7.49€) after about two months.

Does the physalis have to be repotted?

Physalis plants grow very quickly and need a new pot at the latest when the roots are already growing out of the old one.

Are physalis perennials?

In particular, the Andean berry from the subtropics is often classified as annual in this country. In fact, however, it is a perennial plant that can be overwintered with relatively little effort. Almost all physalis are not hardy.

How can I overwinter my Physalis?

It is best to overwinter your physalis in a frost-free but not too warm place. Since it is also usually an evergreen plant (except for the lantern flower, which is summer green), the winter quarters should not be too dark either.

My physalis sticks. What could that be?

If so, your physalis is most likely infested with plant lice, particularly scale or mealybugs. You can treat the plant with soapy water to kill the lice.

My physalis is getting yellow leaves or its leaves are falling off. Why is that?

Yellow leaves are usually an indication of too little water or too few nutrients. Especially in winter, however, these signs can also be an indication of a lack of light.

Can you plant physalis in the garden?

Yes, physalis also thrives in the garden. However, the plant will not survive the first frost (let alone subsequent ones), so it is best to dig it up again and keep it potted indoors over the winter. The lantern flower, on the other hand, can only be cut down to the ground in autumn; it will sprout again in the following spring due to its hardy roots.

tips

Even if there are still a lot of unripe fruits hanging from your physalis, you can put them in winter quarters. The berries will ripen there. Only immature Physalis that has already been harvested no longer reaches the state of maturity.

Category:

Vegetable garden