Physalis seeds — the Chinese lantern
Physalis, the Chinese lantern, is grown for one of the most striking sights in the autumn garden — papery, bright orange lantern-like husks that dangle along the stems and dry to perfection for everlasting arrangements. This hardy perennial sits within our perennial flower seed range. New to flowers? Our flower growing guide gets you started.
Nothing else lights up the autumn border quite like it — the calendar shows when to sow.
Grown for the lanterns
The inflated orange husks are the prize — cut and hung to dry, they are a favourite among dried flowers and a bold seasonal accent in any ornamental flower planting, lasting for months indoors.
Growing physalis from seed
Sow under cover in spring, lightly covering the seed, and keep it warm to germinate. Plant out into sun or light shade in any reasonable soil — it spreads readily, so give it room. The lanterns colour up from late summer; cut whole stems once they turn orange for drying.
Planning an autumn or dried display? Here's where to look next.
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What is physalis grown for?This ornamental Chinese lantern is grown for its inflated, bright orange papery husks, which appear in autumn and dry beautifully.
Is physalis (Chinese lantern) a perennial?Yes — it is a hardy perennial that returns each year and spreads readily, so give it room.
When should I sow physalis seeds?Sow under cover in spring and plant out into sun or light shade. See our
flower sowing calendar for timing.
How do I dry the lanterns?Cut whole stems once the husks turn orange and hang them upside down to dry for lasting displays.