Light up the autumn garden
These questing shrubs provide much interest, says Ruth
THIS week’s free seeds are for a delightful herbaceous perennial that brings interest to the garden from late spring right through to the autumn months.
Physalis alkekengi, also known as Chinese lanterns, produce creamy-white flowers in late spring and early summer followed by glowing orange lantern-like seedcases in the autumn. Over time, these slowly rot away becoming attractively skeletal, just in time for Hallowe’en, before releasing their seed.
The lanterns, when whole, also make exquisite indoor decorations and should be cut when they are plump and colourful, tied in bunches and hung upside down to dry.
This variety is not edible, however, so the fruits should not be eaten.
For the best results, sow the seeds thinly onto trays or in modules of dampened seed compost, covering them with a scattering of more compost or vermiculite.
Place the seeds somewhere light and warm, and remove the lid when seeds start to germinate.
Prick them out into individual pots or larger modules when the seedlings are robust enough to handle gently and have developed their first sets of ‘proper’ leaves, as opposed to their round germination leaflets.
One word of warning, though – mature plants are invasive and will spread fast through your borders via their robust root system. Luckily, the plants look stunning in containers, too, which may be your best option.
■ Please be aware that this year’s AG free seeds will finish on 24 October, although there will be a double pack with our bumper Christmas issue, before restarting on 23 January 2021.