Until a few years ago, the physalis - also known as the Andean berry or Cape gooseberry - was almost unknown in our latitudes. The plant, which originally comes from South America, not only produces delicious and very he althy fruits, but is also easy to cultivate. Physalis, which is used to the subtropical climate of its homeland, cannot tolerate frost.
How do I properly plant physalis in the garden?
To plant Physalis in the garden, you should plant the seeds from January, plant the young plants after the Ice Saints in May and choose a sunny location. Keep a distance of about one meter from other plants and protect them from frost in winter.
Better prefer Physalis
In its homeland it is warm almost all year round, which is why in some summers it becomes difficult for the Physalis to ripen its numerous fruits. Since the sensitive seeds can only be sown around mid to late May and from then on it takes an average of three to four months for the fruit to ripen, it is advisable to bring them forward. To do this, the seeds should be grown in small seed pots (€6.00 on Amazon) on the windowsill in the living room from January, but no later than March.
Planting young plants in the garden
The seedlings can be planted outdoors as soon as night frosts are no longer expected - otherwise the plants, which are quite sensitive in this regard, will freeze quickly. Planting out is therefore only possible from mid to late May at the earliest. Before planting, prepare the soil with a little compost or manure that you dig into the ground. The planted Physalis will not need any further fertilizer. Keep a distance of at least one meter from the neighboring plants, as the plant grows heavily. Physalis gets along particularly well with bluebells, chrysanthemums and asters. The location should be in full sun if possible.
What to do in winter?
With the exception of the lantern flower, which is fairly hardy, you cannot leave the physalis outside in winter, otherwise it will freeze. As early as mid-October it becomes too cold for the frost-sensitive plant. You can grow the Andean berry as an annual and finally throw it on the compost in autumn, but since it is a perennial plant, overwintering is easily possible. To do this, however, you should cut back the physalis, dig it up and plant it in a pot.
Care for planted Physalis properly
Otherwise, your planted Physalis hardly needs any attention. You don't need to fertilize it and you only need to water it occasionally during extremely dry periods. The fruits ripen from mid to late August, but usually not until September. Stabilize the fast-growing plant using a trellis or a plant stick.
Tips & Tricks
Physalis often grows like a weed in its countries of origin. To curb the strong growth, you can use root barriers, for example in the form of curbstones buried in the ground.
