Description
Chinese Lantern Seeds 6405.
Vibrant Orange Lantern Pods for Garden Contrast and Dried Autumn Bouquets.
Chinese Lantern (Physalis alkekengi, formerly Physalis franchetii) is an iconic open-pollinated perennial prized for its bushy 60 cm growth habit and brilliant, papery orange seed pods. Forming throughout August and September, these distinctive lantern-shaped husks create a striking visual centerpiece in garden beds and serve as a world-class choice for dried floral arrangements and autumn decor. Exceptionally cold-hardy down to Zone 3 (with winter protection) and thriving unprotected in Zone 4, this robust plant spreads readily by underground rhizomes, making it ideal for naturalizing or controlling within defined garden borders.
Quick Seed Details
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Product Code: 6405
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Botanical Name: Physalis alkekengi
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Type: Open-Pollinated Perennial
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Hardiness: Zone 4 (Zone 3 with winter protection)
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Height: 60 cm
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Plant Spacing: 60 cm
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Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade
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Soil Preference: Rich, moist, slightly acidic soil
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Germination: 20–25 days at 20°C (Requires light to germinate)
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Seed Count: Approx. 100 seeds per packet (600 seeds per gram)
What you need to know to Plant & Grow
Chinese Lanterns are easily started indoors in early spring before transplanting into rich garden soil.
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Indoor Sowing: Start seeds indoors in a quality soilless growing medium before the start of March. Surface sow seeds—do not cover, as light is beneficial for germination. Maintain a steady temperature of 20°C throughout the 20 to 25 day germination period. Move sprouted seedlings under grow lights at slightly cooler temperatures before hardening off and transplanting outdoors after spring frost danger passes.
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Garden Placement & Care: Space plants 60 cm apart in rich, slightly acidic soil in full sun or light partial shade. Keep soil consistently moist during establishment.
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Spreading Habit Note: Chinese Lantern spreads quickly by underground rhizomes and can become rampant under ideal growing conditions. To manage its growth, plant in submerged containers, raised beds, or periodically dig out rhizomes encroaching on unintended areas of the garden.
Why Chinese Lantern Seeds belong in Your Garden
If you want unique textural form and brilliant orange colour for fall displays and long-lasting dried crafts, Chinese Lantern is an unbeatable heirloom pick. Its reliable Zone 3/4 hardiness, vigorous growth habit, and unmistakable papery husks make it an essential favorite for Canadian gardens.
