Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii

Caution: Harmful if eaten. Pot up bareroots at the earliest opportunity following delivery. Plant them so that the crown of the plant is just a few cm below soil level and grow on in a cool frost free position. When plants are fully rooted into their pots, acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days and transplant into borders. Grow Chinese lantern plants in any moist, well drained soil, in full sun or semi shade. Physalis may become invasive. To restrict their spread, try growing Chinese lanterns in patio containers in loam based compost such as John Innes No.2.

These plants are lifted from the nursery field when dormant, and sent to you in late autumn or spring for planting. They often look dead on arrival, but they are just resting in the dormant period and will establish quickly for a strong start in the garden come spring. Set out in prepared soil in holes wide enough and deep enough to lay out the roots. Tread down the planting soil to knock out air pockets. Water well to settle. Apply a mulch to protect roots from cold temperatures. If conditions prevent immediate planting, set roughly into loose soil or a pot of compost (‘heeling in’) to protect the roots. The growth points of most bare root perennials should be set about an inch below the soil surface. New growth will appear in spring.

Feed and water regularly until plants are fully established. In spring, remove old stems and apply a mulch of well rotted manure to the base of the plant. Lift and divide overcrowded clumps to maintain their vigour.

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

Orders for packets of seed incur a delivery charge of £2.99.

Orders which include any other products will incur a delivery charge of £6.99.

Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products, a maximum delivery charge of £7.99 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.

Large items may incur a higher delivery charge - this will be displayed in your shopping basket.

Please see our Delivery page for further details, and more information on different charges that may apply to certain destinations.

For more information on how we send your plants please visit our Helpful Guide on plant sizes.