CHINESE LANTERN Flower Orange Seed Pods Pollinators DRIED Cut Flowers 100 Seeds

No Fillers ? Pure Seed ? Non-GMO ? Safe Seed Pledge

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

• Chinese Lantern Seeds
• Physalis alkekengi
• Grows up to 24 Inches
• Excellent in Dried Floral Arrangements
• Also Known As Strawberry Ground Cherry
• Sometimes known as Strawberry Ground Cherry, our Chinese Lantern features delicate flowers with the tell-tale orange seed pod that looks like a glowing orange lantern.
• As it can be aggressive, many gardeners recommend confining its growth.
• The pods dry well and are excellent in dried floral arrangements.
• Needs cold stratification.

FAST FACTS

• Name: Chinese Lantern Seeds
• Botanical Name:      Physalis alkekengi
• Life Cycle:     Perennial
• Light Requirement:  Full Sun, Partial Sun
• Planting Season:     Spring
• Plant Type:   Multi-Stemmed, Spreading Habit, Inflamed Orange Seed Pods
• Features:      Open Pollinated, Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flower Garden, Good for Dried Flowers, Container Garden
• Color: Orange
• Blooms:        Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
• Days to Maturity:     60-90 Days
• Plant Height: 24 inches
• Plant Spacing:         8-10 inches
• Planting Depth:       1/4 inch
• Sowing Method:      Direct Sow
• Cold Stratification:   Yes
• Hardiness Zones:    3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
• Ships: Year Round

CHINESE LANTERN GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Sowing Chinese Lantern Seeds Indoors

Sow indoors 6 weeks before the last frost.

Sow ¼ inch deep in seed-starting formula.

Keep the soil moist at 70-75 degrees F.

Seedlings emerge in 15-21 days.

As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours.

Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer?s directions.

If you are growing in small cells in your garden, you may need to transplant the seedlings to 3 or 4 inch pots when seedlings have at least 2 pairs of true leaves before transplanting to the garden so they have enough room to develop strong roots.

Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be ?hardened off?. Accustom young Chinese Lantern plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for about a week. Be sure to protect these plants from wind and hot sun at first. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. This hardening off process toughens the Chinese Lantern's plant structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding.

Transplanting Chinese Lanterns in the Garden

Select a location in full sun with good rich moist organic, well-drained soil.

Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 6-12, inches removing any debris, and lightly raking as level as possible.

The addition of organic matter (leaf mold, compost, well-rotted manure) benefits all gardens and is essential in recently constructed neighborhoods.

Plant on a cloudy day or in late afternoon to reduce transplant shock.

Dig a hole for each plant, approximately 24 inches apart large enough to amply accommodate the root ball.

Unpot the plant and gently loosen the root ball with your hands to encourage good root growth.

Place the top of the root ball even with the level of the surrounding soil. Fill with soil to the top of the root ball. Press soil down firmly with your hand.

Thoroughly water and apply a light mulch layer on top of the soil (1-2 inches) to conserve water and reduce weeds.

Sowing Chinese Lanterns Directly in the Garden

Select a location in full sun with good rich moist organic, well-drained soil.

Sow seeds thinly in sunny outdoor cold frame or seedbed in spring after danger of frost. Sow seeds from fall to spring in the Deep South, Gulf, and Pacific Coast.

Remove weeds and work organic matter into the top 6-8 inches of soil; then level and smooth.

Sow thinly ¼ inch deep.

Keep moist.

Seedlings will emerge in 15-21 days depending on soil and weather conditions.

How to Grow Chinese Lanterns

How to Grow Chinese LanternKeep weeds under control during the Chinese Lantern growing season. Weeds compete with your plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent the germination of their seeds.

Mulches can also be used to help retain soil moisture and maintain an even temperature throughout the soil. For perennials, an organic mulch of aged bark or shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time.  Always keep mulches off a plant?s stems to prevent possible rot.

Careful watering is essential in getting perennials off to a good start. Water thoroughly at least once a week to help new roots grow down deeply. Soil should be damp at about 1 inch below the soil surface. You can check this by sticking your finger in the soil. Water early in the morning to give all leaves enough time to dry.  One inch of rain or watering per week is recommended for most perennial plants. You can check to see if you need to add water by using a rain gauge.

Until plants become established, some protection from extreme winds and direct, hot sunlight may be necessary. Good air movement is also important.

After new growth appears, a light fertilizer may be applied. Keep granular fertilizers away from the plant crown and foliage to avoid burn injury. Use low rates of a slow release fertilizer, as higher rates may encourage root rots.

If plants become leggy, cut them back for a fresh start. Cut Chinese Lantern plants to the ground at the end of the season.

Chinese Lantern Growing Tips

Chinese Lantern plants may spread vigorously, consider this when you site the plants.

Wait until the seed pods turn a vivid orange shade and harvest for dried arrangements. Cut the stems and remove the leaves, leaving the pods. Stand them upright in a dry, airy location. Once dry they will retain their color and shape for years.

SEED STORING

• Store your seeds in a cool, dry and dark location. 
• Most seeds have a long shelf life, but heat and moisture will cut that life short. 
• Dedicate a drawer or cabinet to storing your seeds where you can also house your gardening journal close at hand for dreaming, planning and preparing.