Although the plant, also known as physalis, grows easily in German gardens, due to the short summer the delicious fruits do not always ripen. So that the plant remains transportable and can be wintered more easily - after all, the Andean berry does not tolerate frost - it is recommended to cultivate it in a bucket. But even then, the plant should be left outdoors for as long as possible during the growing season.
How can I cultivate Andean berries in a pot?
To grow Physalis in a pot, you need a bucket that holds at least 10 liters, standard potting soil, a trellis and a wind-protected, sunny location. Water the plant regularly and fertilize it sparingly after the first two months.
Planting physalis in a pot
Physalis is one of the very fast-growing and rampant shrubs, which is why a bucket should hold at least 10 liters. The plant can grow to around one (in exceptional cases up to two!) meters high and just as wide. A normal balcony or flower box is not sufficient, especially since the Physalis develops quite deep roots. It requires a trellis in the form of a trellis or a plant stick (height: at least 1.50 meters) to which it is tied up, similar to a tomato. When it comes to substrate, the Physalis is quite undemanding; it generally thrives in almost any soil. For pot culture, standard potting soil is sufficient (€10.00 on Amazon).
Which location does the Physalis prefer?
The Andean berry should, if possible, be placed in a wind-protected and sunny location during the growing season; a balcony or terrace is also very suitable. Indoor spaces or a greenhouse, on the other hand, are less suitable. In the living room it is much too dark for the Physalis in summer, and in the greenhouse it will not “get along” well with the other plants. Plants such as cucumbers or tomatoes that are grown in such a house usually require a lot of nutrients and therefore need to be fertilized regularly. On the other hand, the Physalis does not tolerate frequent fertilization at all.
Caring for the potted physalis
Physalis needs a lot of water, this is especially true for plants grown in pots. On the other hand, it is not necessary to add fertilizers during the first two months after planting; after that, you can add a little tomato or other vegetable fertilizer in liquid form to the irrigation water. Furthermore, pot cultures should be regularly pruned or cut back so that the plant does not become too large. Repotting is necessary if the roots are already growing out of the pot.
Tips & Tricks
When planting the Physalis, make sure that you ensure proper drainage by placing a layer of expanded clay or something similar at the bottom of the pot. This prevents waterlogging from forming.