Just 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 more quickly.
How can I get Physalis over the winter?
To overwinter Physalis successfully, place the plant in a bright, cool place at around 10°C. Alternatively, you can cut cuttings and plant them in a planter. When overwintering warmly, the Physalis needs additional light, water and fertilizer.
Cape gooseberry is not hardy
The Cape gooseberry (also known as Andean berry), more commonly known by its genus name Physalis, is, in contrast to the Chinese lantern flower, which is also native to us, not hardy. The plant, which comes from the South American subtropics, does not tolerate any frost and should therefore be brought indoors by mid / end of October at the latest and only put outside or planted out again when frost is no longer expected.
Overwintering Physalis – various options
There are several options for overwintering the Physalis, with a bright and cool room - around 10 °C - being considered optimal. However, not every gardener can meet these conditions, but fortunately Physalis are quite undemanding. If you don't have that much space, you can simply cut cuttings instead of the whole plant and place them in a planter.
Overwinter Physalis in a bright place
It is optimal if the Physalis can stay in a bright and cool place over the winter. If necessary, the plant can also overwinter in warm rooms, but then it needs a lot of light (plant lamp! (€23.00 on Amazon)) as well as plenty of water and occasional fertilizer. In addition, the humidity should be kept as high as possible to prevent pests such as: B. Spider mites or whiteflies don't stand a chance.
Overwinter Physalis in a dark place
If the physalis has to overwinter in a dark place (e.g. in the cellar or garage), you should cut it down to the roots. It will sprout again in spring as the plant reproduces via its rhizomes.
Cut the lantern flower back to the roots
Unlike the Cape gooseberry, the Chinese 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. The lantern flower is also very likely to sprout again in spring.
Tips & Tricks
Unfortunately, green physalis only ripen when it is warm, which is why - if the plant still has a lot of unripe fruit hanging - you should initially place the plant in a warm room. The berries will continue to ripen even without sun, because temperature is the main factor that contributes to the ripening process in Physalis.