The delicious and vitamin-rich Andean berry (Physalis peruviana) actually comes from the South American Andes. The sun- and heat-loving plant is mainly grown in the subtropical regions of the world; it also finds the right conditions in tropical mountains. But here, too, the fast-growing plant can be kept freely in the garden or in a pot on the balcony.
How to grow Physalis in Germany?
Physalis can be bred in Germany in gardens or pots by sowing seeds in nursery pots in February or March, keeping them warm and bright and planting them outdoors in May after the danger of frost. Easy to care for and ready for harvest from August to September, they can originally last for several years if you overwinter them frost-free.
Physalis brings rich harvest
The Physalis - also known as the Andean berry or Cape gooseberry - can be grown wherever tomatoes can also be grown. In fact, both types of plants have similar needs because they are closely related. The fruits ripen approximately three to four months after sowing, with one plant alone capable of producing over 300 berries. Physalis is a species-rich genus (and the Andean berry described here is just one species among many), whose fruits are mostly cultivated as fruit or vegetables. An exception is the lantern flower, which is also native to us but is poisonous.
Growing Physalis
In Germany, the actually perennial plant is usually kept as an annual because it is not hardy. In addition, fruit ripening takes place over a period of many months, which is why the young plants should be grown as early as February if possible, but no later than March. Otherwise the fruits would no longer be able to ripen. Proceed as follows when growing the plants:
- Fill small growing pots with standard potting soil.
- Sow the fine seeds there and cover them only thinly with soil.
- Keep the substrate slightly moist at all times using a spray bottle.
- Place the potty - possibly in an indoor greenhouse (€24.00 on Amazon) or with a plastic bag placed over it - in a bright and warm location
However, the warmer the seedling is, the brighter it should be. The planted seeds germinate within a few weeks and should be separated as soon as the plant has developed two to three leaflets (in addition to the two cotyledons).
Relocating and maintaining the Physalis
From mid to late May, the Physalis can now go outdoors. You can either plant the plant in the garden or place it in a pot of at least 10 liters. When it comes to care, the Physalis is quite uncomplicated, it just doesn't tolerate too much fertilizer. For this reason, you should avoid frequent fertilization. The fruits finally ripen in August to September. In September, or at the beginning of October at the latest, the Physalis should go to the frost-free winter quarters - if you want to grow it for several years. Until then, unripe berries can remain on the bush; they will ripen.
Tips & Tricks
No need to buy expensive seeds, instead just buy some ripe fruits from your local supermarket. You can easily use the seeds obtained from this to grow your own Physalis. The plant can live between eight and ten years.
