Physalis Pruinosa
Husk Cherry
The Physalis genus contains annuals, both hardy and tender and herbaceous perennials. As well as adding colour to an informal border, the fruits retain their colour when dried for winter floral arrangements. Plant in a sunny site in any soil and to contain the roots, it is best to plant in a large pot, buried in the ground. 'Physalis Pruinosa' is a fruiting vine that bears cherry-sized, sweet, golden fruit in a papery outer husk that tasted like a cross between a tomato and a pineapple, from mid Summer to first frost. The fruit can be used as a garnish - in the same way as a cape gooseberry - or just eaten fresh, straight from the vine
Contributed by @jennilm
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Full sun to partial shade
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Very little water
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Full Frost Hardy: 5F (-15°C)
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Free draining
Common name
Husk Cherry
Latin name
Physalis Pruinosa
type
Herbaceous Perennials
family
Solanaceae
ph
5.6 - 7.8 Acid - Neutral
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Light
Full sun to partial shade
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Frost
Full Frost Hardy: 5F (-15°C)
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Soil
Free draining
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Water
Very little water
Plant & bloom calendar
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Best time to plant
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When the plant will bloom
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When to harvest
full grown dimensions
0.90 M
1.00 M
Physalis Pruinosa
The Physalis genus contains annuals, both hardy and tender and herbaceous perennials. As well as adding colour to an informal border, the fruits retain their colour when dried for winter floral arrangements. Plant in a sunny site in any soil and to contain the roots, it is best to plant in a large pot, buried in the ground. 'Physalis Pruinosa' is a fruiting vine that bears cherry-sized, sweet, golden fruit in a papery outer husk that tasted like a cross between a tomato and a pineapple, from mid Summer to first frost. The fruit can be used as a garnish - in the same way as a cape gooseberry - or just eaten fresh, straight from the vine
Propagation by Seed
From Mid Spring TO Mid Spring
Fill a seed tray with seed compost, water and allow to drain. Sprinkle seeds over the surface and do not cover, as they need light to germinate.They also need heat - around 70 - 75 deg.F. Put tray in a clear polythene bag and place on a windowsill. When seedlings show remove plastic bag. When the second pair of leaves appear on the seedlings thin out to 50 mm spacing by removing the weakest looking plants. After 2 or 3 weeks and when danger of frost has passed plants can then be planted outside into required position.
Flowering
From Mid Summer TO Mid Summer
Tiny, creamy-white flowers from mid-summer followed by bright orange-scarlet berries enclosed by papery, red lanterns. Chinese lanterns are perfect for providing autumn interest in well-drained areas of the garden. The papery lanterns make wonderful dried flower arrangements.
Planting
From Early Spring TO Mid Spring
Plant container plants in a sunny or partially shaded position in any well drained soil. To prevent them from becoming invasive try cutting a slit trench around the crown of the plant with a spade each autumn.
Propagation by division
From Early Spring TO Mid Spring
To check the spread of underground stems cut the area round the crown of the plant with a spade each autumn. Lift and divide congested colonies in spring. Using a fork dig up plant, try to keep the root ball as complete as possible. Split the root ball at the centre with a sharp knife or a spade. Replant the plants to the same depth as the original and keep well watered until established.
jennilm
Christiani.blooms