how long do chinese lanterns take to grow

How fast do Chinese lantern plants grow?

14 to 21 daysKeep the soil moist; seedlings will emerge in 14 to 21 days.

How long does it take for Chinese lanterns to bloom?

Chinese lantern is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9 and is also known as winter cherry, strawberry tomato or love in a cage. Seeds can be planted in late March or April, and plants begin to bloom in July, about 60 days after germination. The colorful pods develop in the fall.

Can Chinese lanterns grow?

Grow Chinese lantern in moist but well-drained soil, in sun or partial shade. Keep the spreading roots in check by growing in a container. For dried flowers, cut the stems when the lanterns have turned orange and leave to dry in a dark, airy place for a few weeks.

Can Chinese lanterns be grown in pots?

Many gardeners choose to grow their Chinese lantern plants in pots to contain them in a specific area. These plants can thrive in pots both above ground and sunken into the garden soil, so the best place to grow your plant comes down to personal preference (as long as it has suitable light exposure).

Do Chinese lanterns need full sun?

Once transplanted outdoors, Chinese lantern plant care and growth begins with choosing the right site. The plant needs average, moist but well-drained soil and prefers full sun though it will tolerate light shade.

How much sun do Chinese lanterns need?

full sunSun. Bladder cherry grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade as well. Just be sure that these plants receive at least six hours a day of sunlight. A bit of shade in the heat of the afternoon would be ideal, particularly if your summers are extremely hot.

Are Chinese lantern plants invasive?

Chinese lanterns (Physalis alkekengi) are invasive perennial plants grown for their colorful and delicate orange pods, which, true to the common name, remind one of those paper lanterns sometimes used to decorate with.

Are Chinese lantern plants poisonous to touch?

Chinese Lanterns (Physalis alkekengi) Related to bittersweet nightshade, the Chinese lantern plant leaves and fruit is toxic.

Can you eat Chinese lantern fruit?

Uses. Almost always grown as an ornamental for its brightly colored, orange husks (lanterns) which cover the fruit. The lanterns are sometimes used in floral decorations, usually with leaves removed. The fruits are edible and suprisingly, are higher in vitamin C than lemons.

Are Chinese lanterns safe for dogs?

Although toxic to humans and to some animals, horses, rabbits and sheep can eat the leaves and birds can feed on the berries without harm.

How do you take care of Chinese lanterns in the winter?

Protect containers during winter so the plants will return once outdoor temps begin to warm back up. Harvest the lanterns by cutting the stalk at the ground. Bundle a few together and hang upside down to dry in a dark, dry spot.

How do you start Chinese lantern seeds?

Sowing Chinese Lantern Seeds IndoorsSow indoors 6 weeks before the last frost.Sow ¼ inch deep in seed-starting formula.Keep the soil moist at 70-75 degrees F.Seedlings emerge in 15-21 days.More items...•

Can you eat the fruit of a Chinese lantern?

When they're unripe, they have a green color, but as they turn ripe, they will develop a reddish-yellow hue. "When they are ripe, they will fall off the plant to the ground surrounded by a papery husk. Ripe Chinese lantern berries are safe to eat," says Tia Glover, RD.