The exotic plants of the genus Physalis, which include the pretty but poisonous lantern flower and the delicious Andean berry, should not overwinter outdoors if possible. The perennials are not hardy, but can be overwintered relatively easily.
Are Physalis plants hardy?
Physalis plants are not hardy, so they should be brought indoors before the first frost to avoid damage from frost. Overwinter Andean berries and lantern flowers in the house or winter garden at 10 to 15 °C and bright conditions.
Overwintering Andean berries
In this country, the Andean berry is usually grown as an annual plant because - similar to the tomato - it germinates, grows, flowers and bears fruit within one growing season. The plant, which originally comes from South America, is actually perennial, but does not survive the German winter with its sometimes severe frosts. You can easily overwinter your Andean berry indoors or in the winter garden, although it is best placed in a pot. However, Physalis also thrives excellently in a pot and can therefore be cultivated in one straight away - this makes later wintering easier.
How to overwinter the Andean berries
- Physalis should be brought indoors before the first frost.
- Place potted plants in a room that is not too dark and cool to a maximum of 10 to 15 °C.
- Physalis is evergreen, so the room should be as bright as possible (€79.00 on Amazon).
- Physalis that are planted in the garden are best dug up and placed in a pot.
- Water the plant regularly, fertilizing is not necessary in winter.
- Prune back the Andean berry heavily in spring.
- It will sprout again from the roots.
Overwintering the lantern flower
The poisonous lantern flower is significantly more robust than the Andean berry, which comes from South America. It is usually sufficient to cover the plant with plenty of brushwood in autumn. Finally, in spring it is cut back vigorously - the lantern flower, like almost all Physalis species, reproduces via rhizomes. These are runners that grow directly from the root.
Why overwinter Physalis?
Physalis germinate quite reliably and also grow quickly. However, the German summer is usually too short for the numerous fruits to ripen in time before the first frost. If you overwinter your Physalis, you shorten the plant's growing time so that you can harvest as early as July. You can also place the plant in winter quarters with unripe fruits, as these will ripen on the bush.
Tips & Tricks
Physalis, especially the lantern flower, tends to grow and can quickly reach astonishing proportions. Therefore, you should limit planted specimens with root barriers embedded in the ground if possible.
