| I have seeds from a plant I was told is a Japanese lantern. (It is orange about an inch in diameter and looks like a pumpkin.)Wwhen is the time to plant these seeds and is there any special care required? |
| Based on the name and description, I am not exactly certain which of the following two plants you have but the growing instructions are similar. If the lantern is about two inches across and very orange, I suspect you have a "Chinese Lantern" or Physalis Alkekengi, sometimes also called winter cherry. This sun-loving perennial is usually propagated by division, but you might be able to start it from seed next spring. To grow it from seed, be aware that it prefers warm soil temperatures to germinate and seedlings should not be planted outside until the weather has settled and the soil has warmed; the seedlings also need to be conditioned or gradually acclimated to the outdoor environment prior to setting out. Take care where you plant it as it can spread. You might also have an annual form of Physalis such as the tomatillo which is used in cooking and is native to Mexico. This can also be started from seed in late spring when the ground has had time to warm up; it would be grown in full sun and cared for like a tomato. |
