Most people only know the sweet and sour-tasting, bright orange fruits of the physalis from the supermarket. The approximately cherry-sized Andean berry, as the vitamin-rich fruit is also called due to its origin, can also be grown in the home garden or on the balcony with little effort.

Physalis also thrive in our garden

Which location does the Andean berry prefer?

Physalis likes it as sunny as possible. Slowly get the young plants used to the midday sun (otherwise they will burn quickly) and offer the adult plants a location in full sun.

What is the difference between the Andean berry and the Chinese lantern?

Although the delicious Andean berries are usually available in supermarkets under the name "Physalis", strictly speaking, this is only the genus name. 'Physalis' is the Latin term for a group of plants also known as 'bladder cherry'. Within this genus there are about 80 different Physalis species, only some of which are edible. The Chinese lantern flower (Physalis alkekengi), native to Europe, is poisonous and is only cultivated as an ornamental plant, while the fruits of the Andean berry or Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) from South America are suitable for consumption. The genus Physalis as a whole belongs botanically to the nightshade family.

When and how do I sow physalis?

The seeds of the Andean berry should not be sown directly outdoors until mid to late May at the earliest, as the sensitive plant does not tolerate frost. However, you can also prefer the seedlings from February / March and plant them outdoors from the end of May. The seeds are only lightly covered with soil and must be removed as soon as the young plants have two to three leaves.

Do I have to prefer Physalis plants?

In principle, the period in which the plant can grow, flower and ripen fruit is too short in Central Europe. It therefore makes sense to prefer physalis on the windowsill from February / March.

Can I also grow Physalis on the balcony?

Yes, all physalis species are ideal for keeping in a bucket.

Which substrate does the Physalis need?

Physalis are generally quite undemanding and thrive in almost any substrate. Conventional potting soil is suitable for potting.

When and how do I transplant the young physalis seedlings?

From around the end of May, plant early physalis plants either outdoors or in a sufficiently large container (the plants grow to a height of around one to one and a half metres). The optimal planting distance between the individual plants is at least 60 centimetres, preferably one metre.

When can I harvest the delicious fruits?

You can harvest the delicious fruits of the Andean berry between August and September, provided there is sufficient sun and water. Andean berries harvested unripe do not ripen.

tips

Even if you only want to have one or two plants yourself, it is advisable to sow at least 10 to 20 seeds. Experience has shown that the seeds are not very different and have a fairly high failure rate. In addition, the resulting seedlings develop quite differently. You can give away any excess plants to neighbors and friends.

Category:

Vegetable garden