Chinese Lantern Plant Care: How to Grow Chinese Lanterns

Chinese lantern plants (Physalis alkekengi) are herbaceous perennial plants and members of the nightshade family, which includes plants like eggplants. Chinese lantern plants have green leaves and bright orange-red seed pods (known as the calyx) that resemble paper lanterns. These plants look similar to the tomatillo or husk tomato because of their papery husks.

Other common names for Chinese lantern plants are ground cherry, bladder cherry, Japanese lantern, strawberry ground cherry, and winter cherry. Chinese lantern plants are native to Southern Europe and Northern Asia. In the U.S., they grow best in climates that fall within USDA zones three through nine. Be aware that the seed pods and berries of Chinese lantern plants are toxic to both people and pets.

You can grow a Chinese lantern plant using several gardening techniques. The best way to grow these herbaceous perennials is by sowing Chinese lantern seeds indoors.

1. 1. Start seeds indoors before the last frost. Plant your seeds in trays filled with potting soil about eight weeks before your region’s last frost date.
2. 2. Keep seeds in a warm, sunny place. Keep your seeds in a sunny part of your home and maintain evenly moist soil. Germination should occur within three weeks if the temperature stays between sixty and seventy degrees Fahrenheit.
3. 3. Transplant seedlings into your garden. As soon as the danger of frost has passed, plant your Chinese lantern seedlings in an area of your garden that has well-draining soil and full sun. Part shade is fine as well. Consider planting them in a container if space is an issue and you want to prevent overgrowth and invasiveness.

Consider a few grower’s tips to care for your Chinese lantern plants.

1. 1. Maintain adequate soil moisture. Water your plants frequently during their first year as they become established. As the plants mature, you can reduce the watering frequency. Keep the soil adequately moist but not soaking wet as overwatering can lead to root rot. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plants can help retain moisture in the soil.
2. 2. Fertilize your plant sparingly. Chinese lantern plants do well in most soil types and typically don’t need fertilizer to thrive. If your plants are struggling, apply general-purpose fertilizer in the spring or add rich organic matter like compost to the surrounding soil to encourage growth.
3. 3. Propagate your plant as needed. Propagation can help you manage your plant’s growth or create new plants. Simply divide the rhizomes of an already established Chinese lantern plant and replant the divisions in containers with fresh soil.
4. 4. Proactively manage pest problems. Slugs can be an issue for Chinese lantern plants, but you can easily remove these pests by hand. Flea beetles may also infest your Chinese lantern plants. If an infestation occurs, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the MasterClass Annual Membership and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.