Chinese Lantern

Basic Information

Seed Number

117

Seed Name

Chinese Lantern

Variety

Not recorded

Category

Flower

Plant Family

Solanaceae

Plant Type

Chinese lantern (Physalis alkekengi)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Mar 24

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jun 15

Plantable Months

March, April, May, June

Indoor Start

Mar 24 – Apr 7

Direct Sow

May 6 – Jun 15

Transplant

May 6 – Jun 15

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

6 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

0 weeks

Germination Days

14–21 days

Harvest/Maturity

Not recorded

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

70-75°F

Planting Depth

1/8 in

Plant Spacing

24 in

Row Spacing

24-36 in

Thin-To Spacing

24 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun to partial shade

Water Needs

Keep evenly moist during establishment; established plants tolerate some dry periods

Soil Preference

Average, well-drained soil; adaptable to sandy, loamy and clay soils

Minimum Container Size

5 gal

Plant Height

12-24 in

Perennial/Biennial Status

Perennial

Container Friendly

Yes

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

Yes

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

Yes

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow or start indoors
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 1 – Jul 1
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 60–100 days
Succession / Reusable Notes: Good for annual herb beds and pollinator strips.
Zone 6B Notes: Harvest flowers/leaves regularly depending on crop.
Companion Plants: Vegetables, calendula, chamomile, basil, dill, pollinator flowers
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Overcrowding
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Hardy in Zone 6B. Because Chinese lantern spreads vigorously by underground rhizomes, container culture or a physically contained bed is strongly recommended.
Germination: A short period of cold stratification can improve germination. Surface sow or cover only about 1/8 inch, keep warm and continuously moist, and provide light.
Harvest: Harvest stems once the papery lantern-shaped calyces develop their mature bright orange-red color. They are especially useful in dried arrangements.
Seed Saving: Allow mature lanterns and berries to fully ripen before cleaning seed. Plants also spread aggressively from rhizomes.
Special Care: Chinese lantern can become aggressive and difficult to eradicate once rhizomes escape. Do not assume the fruit is edible; Physalis species differ in edibility and immature plant parts can contain toxic compounds.
Research Source: Missouri Botanical Garden — https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b713 — Physalis alkekengi identity, perennial habit, Zones 3-9 and 1-2 foot height
Research Source: Outsidepride — https://www.outsidepride.com/resources/planting/chineselanterns-planting/ — surface sowing, light requirement, warm moist germination conditions and 24-inch spacing
Research Source: Outsidepride — https://www.outsidepride.com/seed/flower-seed/physalis/chinese-lantern-flower-seed.html — 24-inch height, full sun to partial shade, soil adaptability and established drought tolerance
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]