Chinese Lanterns

Q. We received some Chinese Lantern stems with the flowers (which were in bloom). There are no roots on the stems. How could she start these for next year? We thought about planting them inside or would it be better to take the seeds from the lanterns?

A. Do not bother with the cut stems. They may root in water but seed production is much faster and successful. You can propagate this plant from the seed pods. After you tire of the lanterns take them off break open over paper and collect the seed. It will be dry already so no need to store for months. Depending upon your climate you want to time the propagation one month before the weather will be above frost and safe to plant seedlings outdoors.

Sow the seeds on a milled mixture of perlite and vermiculite which you can purchase bagged at garden centers and nurseries. It is called Seed Propagation Mix and is sterilized. Follow the wetting directions on the label and place the seed evenly over the mix. You probably will want to sift additional mix on top of the seeds water well and place in a low light window not near the cold.

Chinese lantern Physalis alkekengi grows to two feet tall and bears small white flowers followed by large balloon-like husks. Inside each 2-inch long husk is a small edible but tasteless scarlet fruit. The Chinese lantern plant is valued for its inflated orange-red seed coverings which resemble miniature Chinese lanterns. For winter bouquets cut the stems in fall just as the lanterns turn color remove the leaves and hang them right side up to dry in a shady airy place.

Propagation from seed is easy and the plants often self-sow in the garden. Set Chinese lantern plants from 2 to 3 feet apart as they tend to spread and overwhelm other garden plants.

Physalis alkekengi has several distinct varieties. The one known as 'Franchetii' is most robust while 'Bunyardii' is compact and free-flowering. 'Major' has exceptionally large lanterns while those of the form called 'Monstrosa' are curiously contorted. The variety 'Nana' grows only 6 inches high.