Physalis

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.

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.

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.

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.