Physalis overwinter properly

Content

• Physalis overwinter properly
• Cape gooseberry is not hardy
• Physalis overwinter - different possibilities
• Hibernate Physalis in a bright place
  
• Hibernate Physalis in a dark place
• Cut lantern flower down to the roots
• Tips & Tricks

Physalis overwinter properly

Like its related tomato, the physalis does not necessarily have to be overwintered. However, this measure has some advantages, because older plants bloom earlier and therefore reach fruit maturity much faster.

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Cape gooseberry is not hardy

The Cape Gooseberry (also known as the Andean berry), which is better known under its generic name Physalis, is not hardy in winter, unlike the Chinese lantern flower that is native to our country. The plant originating from the South American subtropics does not tolerate any frost and should therefore be brought into the house no later than the middle or end of October, and then put back into the open or planted out when no frosts are to be expected.

Physalis overwinter - different possibilities

For the overwintering of the Physalis there are several possibilities, whereby a brighter and cooler - around the 10 ° C - space is considered optimal. However, not every gardener can meet these conditions, but fortunately, physalis are fairly undemanding. If you do not have that much space, you can simply cut cuttings instead of the whole plant and place them in a planter.

Hibernate Physalis in a bright place

It is best if the Physalis can stay in a bright and cool place over the winter. However, if necessary, the plant can also hibernate in warm rooms, but then needs a lot of light (plant lamp!) And plenty of water and occasional fertilizer. In addition, the humidity should be kept as high as possible so that pests such. B. spider mites or white flies have no chance.

Hibernate Physalis in a dark place

In contrast, if the physalis has to overwinter in a dark place (eg in the basement or in the garage), you should cut it down to the roots. It will drive out again in the spring, as the plant multiplies via its rhizomes (= root shoots).

Cut lantern flower down to the roots

In contrast to the Cape Gooseberry, the lantern flower can stay outside in winter. To do this, cut the plant down to the roots and cover them with a thick layer of bark mulch. Also the lantern flower drives out in the spring with high probability again.

Tips & Tricks

Unfortunately, green physalis ripen only when heated, which is why - if the plant still has a great deal of unripe fruit - you first place the plant in a warm room. The berries will ripen without the sun, because the temperature of the Physalis is the main factor in the maturing process.

IJA