Chinese Lanterns-Haw you Grown them?
By Spottedray
wales,
United Kingdom 
Chinese Lanterns-Have you Grown them?
I bought a mix of bulbs from Poundland. Amongst them were chinese lanterns. When I tipped them out (growing in pot) I could only see sawdust. Eventually I found four twig like things tied up with an elastic band about four inches long with what appears to be a hairy root.
The instructions on the packet were non existent so I've buried them vertically in the compost a couple of inches deep off the tip.
Has anyone grown chinese lanterns?
Thanks.
23 Feb, 2014
Answers
I have grown them from seed but it took a couple of years trying before I got enough plants to make a show. Now they are well established and are becoming a nuisance as their roots travel along way. I love them as they give a lovely autumn showing but I will be brutal with them to keep them in check.
1 Mar, 2014
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They are Physalis, common names Chinese lantern, Cape Gooseberry or ground cherry. They are edible but are also grown as a garden feature. They grow into a bush bearing little paper-like lanterns containing golden coloured fruits the size of a cherry tomato.
Physalis plants don't have bulbs but have fleshy roots called rhizomes. They should root ok and you can transfer them into large pots when they grow. I would use pots to keep them contained instead of planting them out into your garden as they can be quite invasive.
23 Feb, 2014