Japanese Lantern (Physalis alkekengi franchetii), packet of 50 seeds, organic

Family: Nightshade (Solanacea)

Hardy to Zones 4 to 11

(Winter Cherry, Chinese Lantern) Creeping herbaceous perennial native to China, with insignificant flowers that nonetheless transform into plump, round, cherry-tomato-like fruits enclosed in a bright orange, papery, lantern-shaped calyx.  Traditional usage: homeopathic extracts, cooling poultice.  Do not ingest– source of potent steroidal saponins.  The plant prefers moist soil in the part sun to shade, and tends to be overrun by other larger plants, so it can be draped over a wall to give it space, and it is very decorative growing on a wall, in rock garden, or as a potted plant that drapes and sprawls.  Sow seed in spring, directly in a prepared seedbed or work up in pots, just like growing tomatoes.
50 seeds/pkt., Certified Organically Grown