All you need to know about growing Chinese lantern plant (Physalis alkekengi), in this Grow Guide.
The Chinese Lantern plant (Physalis alkekengi) is a hardy perennial that bears creamy white flowers in summer, but is mostly grown for its the papery orange lanterns (calyces) that enclose the round berries in autumn. Left on the plant they eventually form a papery skeleton around the red berry within, but if they are cut at their peak, they make excellent dried flowers. To dry them, cut the stems soon as the lanterns have turned orange, remove the leaves, then hang upside down in an airy, dark place for a few weeks to dry.
Chinese lantern spreads via underground stems, in a similar way to mint, and can be invasive if grown in the garden. Like mint, its often grown in pots to check its spread – you could bury the container in your garden soil, or add a barrier around the roots to stop them spreading.
Physalis alkekengi is a member of the nightshade family, and the leaves and unripe fruits are poisonous. Wear gloves when handling.
Chinese lanterns (Physalis alkekengi) are eye-catching orange papery seed pods that make gorgeous dried flowers for fall decor. Also called winter cherry or physic nut, these exotic plants produce unique husks that you can preserve by air drying The dried husks retain their vibrant colors and delicate textures for years.
Drying and displaying Chinese lanterns is easy and rewarding. Follow these simple steps to harvest, prep, dry, and creatively use Chinese lanterns in your autumnal arrangements and displays.
Chinese lanterns belong to the nightshade family along with tomatoes and eggplants The plants produce pretty spring blooms followed by the signature lantern-shaped seed pods in late summer and fall.
While not edible, the mature husks are perfect for drying Key facts
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Native to East Asia but grow in temperate climates worldwide.
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Get their name from the decorative paper lantern shape.
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Spread rapidly via underground rhizomes and can be invasive.
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Husk colors transform from green to bright orange when ripe.
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Dried husks last for years and make stunning fall decor.
When to Harvest Chinese Lanterns for Drying
Timing is crucial when gathering Chinese lanterns for drying. Pick too early and you’ll miss their peak color. Wait too long and they may start splitting open.
Follow these tips for ideal harvest time:
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Let husks fully ripen to deep orange with no green tinge.
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Snip stems right as the husks finish coloring before they crack open.
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Cut stems as long as possible to hang bundles for air drying.
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Pick in the morning after dew dries to prevent possible rot and mildew.
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Select only perfect, undamaged husks without blemishes or flaws.
Prepping and Drying the Lanterns
To maintain their shapes and colors, Chinese lanterns must be carefully prepped and dried. Here’s how:
Preparation
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Strip all leaves off the stems, leaving only the seed pod husks. The leaves don’t dry well.
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Leave the small inedible fruits inside intact – removing them damages the husks. The fruits dry along with the husks.
Drying
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Hang small bundles of stems upside down in a warm, dry, dark, well-ventilated area. Direct light can fade colors.
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Air drying takes 2 to 4 weeks. Husks will feel papery and seeds will rattle when thoroughly dry.
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Group stems in bunches secured with rubber bands that tighten as stems shrink during drying.
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Check bundles periodically and tighten bands to prevent any husks from slipping out while drying.
Once dried, the husks will keep their bright orange hues and papery lantern shapes for years.
Creative Uses for Dried Chinese Lanterns
The decorative options are endless with these colorful dried beauties. Display them:
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Loose in clear glass vases or jars as pretty table decor.
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On mini wreaths around pumpkins, gourds, and fall wreaths.
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Mixed into potpourri with pinecones, acorns, and dried foliage.
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In floral arrangements to add pops of color amongst other dried materials.
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Draped on candleholders, lamps, placecard holders to dress them up.
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Crafted into garlands and swags as mantel and stairway decor.
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Paired with natural elements like twigs, leaves, and acorns in centerpieces.
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Spray painted metallic colors like copper or gold for extra visual interest.
Group them en masse or use a few individually to accentuate your favorite autumnal DIY crafts and decor pieces.
Growing Your Own Chinese Lanterns
You can easily grow Chinese lanterns yourself for an abundant free source of pods to dry. Some tips:
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Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Transplant seedlings outside after danger of frost passes.
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Plant in full sun to partial shade. They thrive in zones 4-9.
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Grow in average garden soil amended with compost for drainage and nutrients.
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Water regularly when top inch of soil dries out. Provide 1-2 inches of water per week.
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Stake tall plants if needed to prevent toppling under the weight of heavy lanterns.
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Cut back finished flowering stems close to the ground after harvesting pods.
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Contain plants by sinking pots in soil or planting in beds edged with metal or plastic barriers to prevent invasive spread.
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Propagate by seed sown directly in fall or by division in early spring.
Follow these growing tips and you’ll have a bountiful harvest of colorful husks for drying and fall decorating.
Storing Your Dried Chinese Lanterns
To extend the lifespan of your dried lanterns:
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Keep in a cool, dry spot away from direct light and heat which can fade colors.
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Store loose husks in breathable containers like burlap sacks rather than airtight plastic.
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Put moisture-absorbing silica gel packs in storage containers to prevent possible mold growth.
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Check periodically for pests like spider mites and discard any damaged or rotten husks.
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With ideal storage conditions, dried husks can last for 1 to 3 years.
Proper storage keeps your dried Chinese lanterns vibrant for many autumns to come.
With their distinctive shape and brilliant colors, Chinese lantern husks create eye-catching displays. Time their harvest perfectly, dry them with care, and incorporate them into your fall decorating. Growing the plants yourself provides a sustainable free source. Just be vigilant against their potentially aggressive spread. Dried and displayed properly, Chinese lanterns can inject a lively pop of color into your autumn decor for years on end.
How to plant Chinese lantern plant
Plant to the same depth as the rootball, in a pot or in the ground. You could bury the pot in the soil, so that the plants roots do not spread and become invasive.
Where to grow Chinese lantern plant
Grow in moist but well-drained soil, in sun or partial shade, or in a container filled with multi-purpose, peat-free compost.
The Secret to Chinese Lanterns
FAQ
How to dry already dead flowers?
Simply remove excess foliage leaving about 6 to 8 inches of stem, secure stems together with a rubber band in bundles of 8 to 10 and hang them upside down for …Feb 14, 2023
How to make paper lanterns weatherproof?
Cover the entire bag with Outdoor Mod Podge. Paint several coats, allowing 15-20 minutes of dry time in between each coat. Make sure to allow the Outdoor Mod Podge to seal for 72 hours. Insert your battery operated lights, and you’re all set!
How to collect seeds from a Chinese Lantern plant?
Collect seeds from seed heads that are fully dry. Thresh by hand or by dancing, winnow to clean. Finish air-drying if necessary before sealing in airtight container. Some cross-pollination may occur.
What to do with a Chinese Lantern plant in winter?
Cut stems near the ground, strip off the leaves, and either hang in bunches or let the stems dry in a dry vase. You also can allow the lanterns to persist on the plants into winter, until the fibers weather into lacy enclosures around the bright orange berries.