Physalis do not fertilize too much

Content

• Physalis do not fertilize too much
• Which earth does the physalis need?
• Too much fertilizer causes plant growth
• Maintaining physalis in the pot
• Tips & Tricks

Physalis do not fertilize too much

Originally from the South American Andes, Physalis (also known as the Andean berry or Cape Gooseberry) loves the heat, does not tolerate frost, needs plenty of water and is otherwise quite undemanding. The herbaceous shrub tends to proliferate even in rather nutrient-poor soils and hardly needs fertilizer.

Which earth does the physalis need?

The Andean berry basically feels good on almost any soil. Even loamy and slightly acidic garden soils do not affect the immense growth of the plant, or only slightly. This means you can cultivate the physalis in almost any garden - provided it is warm and sunny enough. However, since the plant also has a high moisture requirement, you should cover the soil around with bark mulch. This counteracts evaporation and keeps moisture in the ground.

Too much fertilizer causes plant growth

Although a physalis needs a lot of water, at the same time it tolerates too generous fertilizer supplies only badly. If you fertilize too often, the plant puts too much energy into the growth at the expense of the fruits. For planted specimens, it is basically sufficient to incorporate compost or manure into the ground before planting. Forget about including the root limitation (eg in the form of stones), otherwise you will often have to use the scissors in summer.

Maintaining physalis in the pot

In contrast to the physalis in the garden, a potted plant needs occasional fertilizer. Rhododendron or tomato fertilizers are best for this, alternatively you can choose other vegetable fertilizers. Take liquid fertilizer and add it to the irrigation water. Fertilize the plant about six to eight weeks after planting. Neither seedlings nor young plants need fertilizer, because these draw their low nutrient requirement from the seed.

Tips & Tricks

For the cultivation of Physalis from seeds, a nutrient-poor growing substrate is best suited. Incidentally, you should not fertilize freshly potted physalis, because this will only promote the hurry.

IJA