Physalis (Physalis, Solanaceae family) is a wonderful plant that will not only decorate any garden plot, but will also give you delicious fruits that can be eaten either fresh or made into jam. And, of course, everyone knows how charming the bright orange physalis boxes look in bouquets of dried flowers. Physalis is popularly called emerald berry or earthen cranberry.
Physalis is native to Central and South America. The genus Physalis includes about 110 species, most of them are perennial herbaceous plants, which in our country are grown as annuals, because Physalis is very thermophilic and does not tolerate frost. The fruit of physalis is a berry that is located in a box of fused sepals; this box is very similar to a Chinese paper lantern. The capsule grows faster than the fruit; if it is completely dry and has changed color, it means the fruit is already ripe.
Most often on the plots of Russian gardeners you can find common physalis (Physalis alkekengi), its rhizomes in temperate climates overwinter under the snow, and in the spring new shoots grow from them. The fruits of this physalis are bitter and sometimes poisonous, as toxic substances accumulate in them.
Another thing is the vegetable physalis, or adhesive physalis (Physalis ixocarpa), which has tasty and juicy fruits. You can also use physalis (Physalis pubescens), Florida physalis (Physalis floridana) and Peruvian physalis (Physalis peruviana) for food; the latter is grown only in closed ground conditions. Vegetable physalis can be small-fruited (varieties 'Strawberry', 'Raisin', 'Bell') and large-fruited ('Pineapple', 'Marmeladny'). The fruits of the former are very tasty fresh, they are also suitable for processing, while the large-fruited physalis makes excellent jam, pickles and not too sweet candied fruits.
Physalis is grown by sowing seeds for seedlings at the end of March - the first half of April. The seeds are sprinkled with a layer of soil about 0.8 - 1 cm; a universal substrate can be used. When the first pair of true leaves appears, the seedlings are planted in pots with a volume of about 0.5 - 1 liter, and they are buried in the soil up to the cotyledons. Around this time, depending on weather conditions, the seedlings should begin to be hardened off. To do this, plants are taken out onto a glazed and then open balcony, starting from 20 minutes and gradually increasing the time spent in the fresh air. The seedlings must be fed twice with organic fertilizer (for example, sodium humate).
When the threat of night frosts has passed (the second half of May), the seedlings can be planted in open ground. It is better to choose a well-lit place for physalis. In the garden bed, the distance between plants should be 30–40 cm, and the row spacing should be 60 cm, since the bushes grow greatly. Before planting, it is advisable to add complete mineral fertilizer to the hole in accordance with the instructions; you can use organic fertilizer of your own production (infusion of mullein or bird droppings) for fertilizing.
Water physalis regularly, without drying out the soil. If the soil dries out, then later, after abundant watering, the fruits on the plants may crack. Physalis requires support, since its bushes reach considerable heights. If you stop watering the plant after the ovaries form, it stops growing and the fruits ripen faster. Physalis bears its first fruits already in early August, and with good care it can bear fruit until frost.
Orange, yellow, green and purple berries are not only very beautiful, but they make aromatic jam or jam. Especially if you add cherries or gooseberries to it. Fresh fruits can be stored for several months at temperatures from +1 to 15°C and with good ventilation. Having planted physalis on your site, you definitely won’t regret it.
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When you first see a physalis in a photo, it’s hard to guess that a ripe fruit is hiding inside its bright, airy orange calyx. Its unusual structure served as fertile ground for the emergence of many poetic names for this plant - Chinese lantern, strawberry tomato, Peruvian gooseberry. Both decorative and edible varieties have a bright appearance. Therefore, do not be lazy to sow physalis - growing and caring for it will not only decorate your summer cottage, but will also allow you to surprise your family with an unusual culinary dish.
Features of the plant
Physalis is a herbaceous plant that can be grown both as an annual and as a perennial crop. These bright representatives of the nightshade family are used in ornamental gardening. The plants are quite tall, the stem length reaches about 60 cm. The light green leaves are oval in shape with a pointed end. The flowers have an inconspicuous appearance; the decorative effect is provided by bright airy boxes, similar to thin paper bubbles, in which the tight fruits of physalis ripen.
Decorative physalis
With the onset of cold weather after the leaves fall in the fall, physalis does not lose its attractive decorative appearance. The fruits, covered with a thin film of red and orange pericarp, continue to adhere to the stem. They are used not only in open ground, but also for interior decoration as dry winter bouquets.
Reference. In addition to decorative species, planting edible varieties of physalis in garden beds has become widespread. Their fruits are pickled, salted, canned, used in salads, and jam is made from them.
Varieties and types of physalis
Physalis is the most numerous genus of the Solanaceae family and is a close relative of the tomato, although at first glance you cannot tell this from the photo. The greatest species diversity of this plant is present in countries in Central and South America.
Peruvian Physalis
Both garden and potted crops are known. In our area, three varieties of physalis are cultivated in open ground in thickets:
- Ornamental Physalis - also known as Franchet Physalis. It is its orange-red pericarp that most closely resembles Chinese lanterns, which contain small fruits. It is planted as a decorative element of a flower bed. It is undemanding under growing conditions and care, and withstands frost.
- Vegetable physalis - stands out for its large fruits - about 50 g, rapid growth and the ability to produce rich harvests. Growing the crop does not differ in complex agrotechnical techniques in open ground. Different varieties have their own flavors. In particular, “Korolek” and “Moscow Early” have a sweeter taste, in contrast to the bitterness of their kind.
- Berry physalis is also called strawberry physalis. Its fruits fully justify this name, since their weight rarely reaches 10 g, on average they are no more than 5 g. Strawberry fruit is less frost-resistant, the ripening period of the fruit is longer and the harvests from it are small. However, true gourmets are willing to endure such shortcomings for its excellent taste.
Preparing for landing
Those who are familiar with tomato agricultural technology will not have any particular difficulties growing a plant such as physalis - planting and care are very similar. But compared to tomatoes, physalis in open ground is less demanding on the illumination of the area chosen for its propagation.
Fruits of raisin physalis
Success largely depends on the correct soil composition. For sowing take:
- 2 parts peat;
- 1 part compost;
- 1 part garden soil;
- 0.5 parts clean sand.
Important. Physalis does not respond well to high acidity of the soil. To reduce its level, add 2 tablespoons of ash for every 5 kg of soil mass.
Planting physalis
Physalis propagation is carried out through seedlings. It is planted in open ground after reaching the age of 45-50 days, when the threat of frost has passed. Therefore, the date for planting seeds in the spring based on this calculation is mid-April.
Physalis seedlings
Planting includes the process of disinfection of seeds and nutrient substrate. The soil is treated with steam or heated in the oven. Seeds in a gauze bag are dipped in a weak, barely pink solution of potassium permanganate for half an hour. After such preparatory measures, you can begin sowing. For this:
- Fill containers with sifted soil and lightly compact the substrate.
- The seeds are pressed into the surface at an equal distance from each other.
- Soil no more than 1 cm thick is poured on top.
- The surface is compacted, after which the first watering is carried out.
- The crops are covered with transparent polyethylene or glass and left in a well-lit place.
- The room temperature is maintained at +15…+20°C.
- If the care was correct, seedlings will appear after a week. From this moment the cover is removed. Care measures include regular watering.
The next stage of propagation is picking seedlings. They start it when the first 2 true leaves appear. The amount of sand in the soil mixture is reduced by 2 times. In addition, fertilizer is added to the soil for picking - 1 tablespoon of mineral fertilizer for every 5 kg of nutrient substrate.
Planting is done in separate cups. Make a hole in the ground deep enough to accommodate the roots of the seedlings. After planting, moderate watering is required. If the soil settles after this, add more soil mixture.
Caring for seedlings is simple:
- The cups are kept in a place well lit by sunlight.
- The air temperature is maintained at +15…+20°C.
- The soil is kept moist; the soil should not be allowed to dry out.
- Fertilizer for seedlings is applied once every two weeks.
Important. To prevent planting seedlings in open ground from resulting in the death of immature plants, it is necessary to harden off the tender shoots in the spring. To do this, in good weather, they are taken out into the fresh air for an hour and a half.
In the area allocated for physalis, no other nightshades should have grown in the last few years. If eggplants were previously cultivated here, your physalis will develop poorly.
During the digging process, fertilizer is applied - no more than 50 g of nitroammophosphate per 1 square meter. Test the soil acidity. If it is elevated, a glass of wood ash will fix it.
Planting holes on the ridges are located no closer than 50 cm. The distance between the rows is about 70 cm. Seedlings from cups along with a lump of earth are placed in the hole. Planting depth – to the bottom leaf. The soil around the stem is carefully compacted. After planting, water and mulch the soil with peat.
Further care
Caring for young plantings involves weeding, loosening the soil and regular watering. Experienced gardeners know that tomatoes need garter. Its closest relative, Physalis, does not require such a measure. As is the adoption of culture. On the contrary, the more the bush branches, the more bright fruits the plant will bear and will delight the eye in the fall.
Ornamental physalis attracts attention with its bright orange color and unusual shape. People also call it a Chinese lantern. By the way, the name of the plant comes from the Greek (Physalis), which means “bubble”. What is decorative physalis, the features of its cultivation, care, reproduction and use in interior design will be discussed in this article.
Physalis decorative - description
Ornamental physalis is a herbaceous perennial crop belonging to the nightshade family (Solanoideae). The stem can reach 90 cm in length. The leaves are oval, pointed at the ends, and have a dull green color. Blooms in summer. The flowers are white and inexpressive. The decorative appearance is given to the plant by orange swollen bubbles with a diameter of 6 cm with fruits inside that ripen by autumn. Each branch is decorated with 10-15 lanterns.
The fruits of ornamental varieties are not suitable for food because they are poisonous.
For decorative purposes, Alkekengi physalis or common physalis (Physalis alkekengi) and Franche physalis (Physalis francheti) are planted. It got its name in honor of the French botanist Adrien Rene Franchet, who first studied this variety of physalis, which came to us from Japan. It began to be planted as an ornamental crop in 1894.
Preparing for planting physalis
Decorative physalis is very unpretentious. He is not afraid of drafts and winds. It withstands low temperatures well. Best of all, of course, the crop will bloom on the open, sunny side of your garden.
When choosing soil for physalis, pay attention to its acidity. Acidic soil is not suitable for cultivation. Swampy places and areas where groundwater lies high are also not suitable. Calcareous or neutral soil will be suitable for growing.
It is also worth paying attention to the fact that ornamental physalis is not grown where nightshade crops previously grew. However, it will feel great in areas where cabbage, cucumbers, root vegetables and legumes were grown.
The soil for the plant must be prepared: add humus, compost, aged manure, peat and ash. Instead of organic matter, you can add a complex mineral substrate.
Methods of propagation and planting
Growing seedlings
For disinfection, the seeds are kept in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 30 minutes, having previously covered them with gauze. The soil is heat treated using hot steam or an oven.
Seeds are pressed into a container filled with soil, maintaining equal intervals between them. Sprinkle 1 cm of soil on top and water. Next, cover it with transparent film or glass and place it in a well-lit place. The room temperature should be 15-20 C. When seedlings form, remove the film and water regularly. Sowing time is mid-April.
Picking seedlings into individual containers
Produced when the first two true leaves appear. The soil is enriched with mineral fertilizers. Planting is completed with moderate watering. Care requirements: sunny place, maintaining a temperature of 15-20 C, regular watering, fertilizing the soil once every 14 days.
Planting seedlings in open ground after 45-50 days towards the end of May. While the plant adapts, it is necessary to provide constant watering and shelter from the midday sun. During planting, maintain a distance of 50 cm between sprouts and 70 cm between rows.
Sowing seeds in the ground
Rhizome division
The most effective method of propagating a crop is division. The root system of physalis tolerates adaptation to a new location well. Separation is carried out in spring or autumn.
Cuttings
Another method of propagation is by cuttings. They are cut in July. Select shoot tips that have 2 to 3 buds. Root cuttings under standard conditions. They are planted in loose soil, buried half their length, watered and covered with polyethylene with a hole for ventilation. In clear weather, the cuttings are provided with shade, preventing them from drying out. After rooting, the coating is removed and the plant is provided with the necessary care.
Physalis care
Decorative physalis is quite resistant to drought. It should only be watered during periods of prolonged dry weather.
All physalis, including decorative varieties, do not like to be adjacent to weeds. At least once every 1-1.5 months it is necessary to weed and loosen the soil. You don't have to do weeding if you use mulching.
It is optimal to fertilize the crop twice a year:
- in the first stages of development, when the plant begins to grow rapidly. Feed with humus, compost or wood ash, or complex mineral fertilizer;
- the second feeding is carried out as soon as the decorative physalis blooms using similar means.
To ensure that the branches of physalis remain straight for subsequent use for decorative purposes, tying is necessary.
In the last days of August, in order for the “bubbles” to ripen before the onset of cold weather, the tops of the plant are pinched.
Physalis needs to be rejuvenated quite often, as it grows quickly and spreads to neighbors in the garden. Therefore, at intervals of 5-7 years, the bushes are rejuvenated by dividing and moving to a new location.
Disease and pest control
Diseases and pests will generally not be scary for your pet if you properly care for it and correctly select the conditions for its cultivation.
Due to excessively wet soil, decorative physalis is susceptible to the formation of rot on the stem. Aphids may appear if this perennial is adjacent to an affected plant or if proper watering has not been provided for a long time on dry days. You can get rid of insects with the help of insecticides, and in case of diseases, it is better to transplant the crop to a suitable place or provide proper care.
Also, physalis, like any other nightshade crop, can be affected by late blight. Signs of the disease are subcutaneous brown spots on leaves and fruits. This is facilitated by prolonged rainy weather and dense planting. In order to prevent late blight, it is necessary to spray the bushes with Bordeaux mixture before the formation of fruit ovaries.
At the stage of growing seedlings, physalis may suffer from. The stem at the base becomes black and the sprout dies. Among the causes of the disease are excessive soil moisture followed by acidification, cold and humid air. Seedlings affected by the disease must be removed and the soil treated with fungicides. In order to prevent the disease, it is necessary to regularly loosen the soil, thinning out the seedlings in a timely manner.
The dangerous viral disease mosaic is less common. The color of the leaves changes color: some of them lighten, while others darken. The causative agent of plant diseases is bacteria. Among the main reasons for the development of mosaics is incorrect crop rotation of plants. Diseased specimens are uprooted and burned, and a solution of potassium permanganate is added to the soil.
Physalis is applicable not only in landscape design. It is often used to create decorative elements.
Bouquets of dried physalis flowers will look great. Maintaining their appearance for a long time, they will create a summer mood on a winter evening. How to dry physalis?
Yes, very simple. In the fall, when the lanterns acquire their carrot color, cut off the branches along with the bubbles and remove the leaves. If you plan to use physalis branches for prefabricated compositions, you need to dry them separately. If you want to create a bouquet, then you need to compose it in advance, before drying. Decorative physalis is dried in the open air. The plant is hung in a cool room with the stems up. After two to three weeks it is ready for creating decorative compositions.
Don't limit your imagination. In addition to bouquets, using bright physalis boxes, you can create a variety of options for decorating your home. For example, make hanging garlands in the likeness of real Chinese lanterns. To do this, orange lanterns are connected to each other with wire or fishing line. They can be supplemented with beaded threads and ribbons.
Physalis compositions look best in a monochromatic interior, adding a bright, cheerful accent.
Door and wall wreaths made using physalis will delight you with their splendor. They can be supplemented with various leaves, flowers, and fruits.
For New Year and Christmas, a composition with candles and pine branches will look good.
Another option for using physalis in the interior is glass vases with bright “spots” inside. Ornamental physalis can be combined with berries and dried flowers in such compositions.
The easiest way to decorate your home is to place physalis where, in your opinion, there is not enough color volume. These could be shelves, countertops or something else.
Video “Decorative physalis in the interior - wreath of physalis”
So, ornamental physalis is an unusually colorful plant. It will be a good decoration for your garden plot. The lanterns, noticeable with their bright colors, will delight you in the autumn season. And if you haven’t cut them, then even in winter orange bubbles will peek out from under the snow, as a reminder of the warm summer.
Physalis - planting and care in open ground
The ornamental physalis plant belongs to the largest genus of the Solanaceae family, which includes about 120 species growing in Asia, Europe, as well as South and North America. Translated from Greek, physalis means bubble - the name is given because of the shape of the growing red-orange calyx of the plant. Gardeners sometimes call physalis earth cranberry or emerald berry, as well as bladderwrack, dog cherry and maroonka. Physalis is often compared to tomatoes - plants from the same family, and although these plants are similar in many ways, planting and caring for physalis in open ground has its differences.
Physalis flower is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant with sometimes branched, erect or angularly curved, geniculate stems, bare or with sparse pubescence in the upper part, reaching a height of 20 to 120 cm. At the base, the stems become woody over time. The leaves of Physalis are opposite, and in the lower part of the stem they are close in pairs or alternate. The flowers are usually solitary, axillary, located along the entire length of the stem. The calyxes are bell-shaped, swollen, bright, hiding spherical, bilocular berries of orange or red color - the aromatic fruits of physalis. Physalis is an ornamental plant, although many of its species have fruits that are quite edible and even tasty. The perennial physalis is called the Chinese lantern - it looks great in a winter bouquet.
Growing physalis from seeds
Sowing Physalis
In warm areas, physalis seeds are sown directly into the ground, since the plant is cold-resistant, early ripening and productive, and it is enough to sow physalis once, and then it will multiply by self-seeding - all you have to do is thin out the seedlings. Since physalis seeds sharply lose their viability after 4 years, before sowing, soak them in a five percent salt solution and after a while remove the floating seeds that are not useful to you, and rinse and pickle the settled ones for half an hour in a dark pink solution of potassium permanganate, then rinse and dry. Physalis is sown in April or early May sparsely in furrows, maintaining an interval of approximately 30 cm between rows. When seedlings appear, they are thinned out so that the distance between seedlings ends up being about 25 cm. Those seedlings that had to be pulled out can be transplanted to another place – they will take root well, although they will begin to bear fruit a little later. You can sow physalis before winter, in October.
In the middle zone, physalis is grown in seedlings, especially since it allows you to get fruits earlier than when sowing seeds in the ground. Sow physalis seeds for seedlings about a month and a half before planting in the ground in separate 0.5-liter containers, if you don’t want to bother with picking, or in seedling boxes according to the 6x8 pattern - before planting in the ground, all that remains is to divide the seedlings into bushes. As a pre-sowing treatment, the seeds are kept for 30 minutes in a strong solution of potassium permanganate. Physalis is germinated at a temperature of about 20 ºC, and then sprouts can appear within a week. At a lower temperature, seedlings will have to wait a month. Make sure that the soil and air humidity are not too high, since under such conditions there is a risk of seedlings becoming infected with blackleg, so caring for physalis flowers at this stage includes regular ventilation of the room, provided that they are reliably protected from drafts. If, with proper care and normal lighting (physalis seedlings need bright, diffused light), the seedlings grow slowly or painfully stretch out, it is necessary to add a solution of bird droppings to the soil - 1 part of fertilizer to 20 parts of water at the rate of half a bucket per 1 m², then spill the soil with water avoiding burns.
Physalis pick
Those who have sowed physalis densely in a seedling box will have to, when the seedlings have two true leaves, dive them into separate cups so that when planting, they injure the root system of the physalis as little as possible, which grows very quickly. If you sowed the seeds directly into separate cups, then you will not have to pick the seedlings - you will be able to plant them directly in open ground within the time limit established by the conditions for growing the seedlings.
When to plant physalis in the ground
Physalis is planted in open ground on a cloudy day or in the afternoon at the stage of development of seedlings with 5-6 leaves. For physalis, a sunny area with soil of a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction, on which cucumbers or cabbage grew before, is suitable. but after such crops as physalis itself, pepper. potatoes, eggplants and tomatoes. physalis is not planted for four years, since all these plants suffer from the same diseases, the pathogens of which often remain in the soil for a long time. Planting a physalis flower is preceded by digging up the area with the addition of humus and ash no later than two weeks before the scheduled date. Do not fertilize the soil with fresh manure.
How to plant physalis
Since most of the species and varieties of physalis are highly branched, seedlings are planted in a checkerboard pattern in increments of approximately half a meter. Tall varieties need staking - provide this when planting. The hole for physalis should be so deep that the seedlings are immersed in it until the first true leaf. When planting overgrown seedlings, pour one and a half liters of water into the hole and plant the seedling at an angle directly into the water so that the roots in it straighten out on their own, after which the hole is covered with earth and compacted. Seedlings planted in a timely manner do not need such tricks: they are planted in the usual way, but after planting they are watered abundantly. To make caring for physalis easier, the area can be mulched with peat.
Caring for physalis in the garden
Growing and caring for physalis is simple and not labor-intensive. During the growing season, the plant needs regular watering, followed by weeding and loosening the soil, as well as fertilizing with organic fertilizers - solutions of mullein (1:10) or chicken manure (1:15), also carried out after watering the site. Growing physalis also involves hilling the bushes in cold and damp summers, but there is no need to pin or prune them: since the fruits develop in the branches of the stems, the more the bush branches, the higher the harvest will be.
Physalis propagation
In addition to the seed method of propagating physalis, which we have already described, the plant propagates by lateral shoots and cuttings. Ornamental physalis forms many shoots from a creeping rhizome located shallowly underground, so in spring or autumn, part of the rhizome, along with regrown shoots, is dug up from the mother bush and replanted. To make cuttings from physalis in July, cut off the tops of the stems with 2-3 well-developed internodes and plant them, burying them halfway into loose soil and covering them with perforated film for the first time. When the leaves on the cuttings restore turgor, the film can be removed. Caring for physalis during the rooting period of cuttings consists of timely watering and shading from direct sunlight.
Physalis pests and diseases
Physalis is affected by diseases to a much lesser extent than tomatoes, however, a disease such as mosaic sometimes affects persistent physalis, and specimens weakened by poor care are the first to fall victim. Symptoms of the disease: leaves acquire a mottled contrasting color of dark green and light green areas. As a result of the disease, fruit yield may be reduced by half. There is no cure for mosaic virus, so it is necessary to immediately destroy diseased plants by fire before the disease spreads throughout the entire area. The place where the diseased physalis grew should be spilled with a strong solution of potassium permanganate.
In the seedling stage, in conditions of too high humidity, physalis is affected by the black leg, as a result of which the seedlings turn black at the base of the stem and die. You can avoid the disease by strictly following the rules for caring for seedlings: loosening the soil, thinning out the seedlings in a timely manner, watering the seedlings abundantly but not often in the morning.
The scourge of all nightshades is phytosporosis, which is especially dangerous in wet weather during the ripening period. Brown subcutaneous spots appear on the fruits, which make the berries unsuitable for eating. You can fight phytosporosis by spraying physalis with a one percent solution of Bordeaux mixture, and this should be done in advance, even before the ovary appears on the bushes.
Among insects, mole crickets that gnaw the roots of seedlings and wireworms can cause harm to physalis. You can fight mole crickets by planting seedlings in a plastic ring: cut off the narrow neck of two-liter plastic bottles and cut off the bottom, then cut what is left into two parts (rings); A plastic ring is placed in the hole for the physalis seedling, in the center of which the seedlings are planted. After burying the seedling, the ring should rise above the surface of the area by approximately 5 cm. In this way, you will protect the roots of the young plant from attack by mole crickets.
They fight wireworms using baits: dig several holes around the area, fill them with half-rotted grass or hay and cover them with boards. In a day or two, check the bait, and you will see that many click beetle larvae - wireworms - have moved into it in search of warmth and food. Collect the contents of the bait and burn it on a fire along with the pests. Autumn plowing or deep digging of the area gives good results in the fight against wireworms - in winter, the larvae, once on the surface, die from the cold.
In general, physalis is a very healthy plant that is resistant to negative influences. Follow the rules for caring for and growing physalis, and pests and pathogens will bypass your area.
How and when to collect physalis seeds
Physalis fruits are collected together with dried bright cups in dry weather 45-60 days after planting the seedlings in the ground - in August or September. The fruits do not ripen at the same time: the lower berries ripen earlier and fall to the ground. If you pick them right away, you can eat them or send them for processing. Or you can get seeds from them. To do this, ripe fruits are cut in half and filled with rainwater for a day, and then the swollen pulp is rubbed through a sieve, the seeds are washed and dried.
The above-ground part of the decorative perennial physalis is cut off in the fall - it will make beautiful dry bouquets. The leaves are removed, and the stems with fruits in bright sheaths are hung to dry. The area is mulched with peat for the winter. Annual (vegetable and berry) species are disposed of after harvesting, and the site is subjected to deep digging.
Types and varieties of physalis
Physalis edible is divided into physalis berry and physalis vegetable. The physalis berry is represented by such species as raisin physalis, or pubescent physalis, or strawberry physalis, Peruvian physalis, which has recently begun to be grown in the middle zone, and Florida physalis, as well as their varieties.
Physalis floridana
has sweet, pleasant-tasting fruits without any fruity aftertaste and almost no acid. Jam made from this type of berries resembles cherry jam. therefore, when cooking, fragrant geranium leaves are added to it.
Physalis pubescens
Physalis raisin has a more refined taste - sweet, with barely perceptible sourness and a pronounced taste and smell of pineapple. The juice of the fruit resembles tangerine juice. The fruits of this physalis can be stored for up to 3-4 months, or even up to six months, acquiring a slightly withered appearance over time. Dried fruits really resemble raisins.
Physalis peruviana
not as sweet as raisins, but the fruity taste and aroma of its fruits is stronger, and in terms of the amount of acids and sugar they contain, they are close to garden strawberries. Physalis berries of this species are too tender for long-term storage.
The best varieties of physalis berries include:
- – Pineapple– early ripening physalis with miniature and sweet-tasting fruits with the aroma of pineapple, consumed both fresh and in the form of jam and candied fruits;
- – Strawberry– bushes up to 70 cm high, on which amber sweet fruits with a strawberry aroma ripen, consumed fresh and dried, and also used for making desserts, compotes and jam;
- – physalis raisin Surprise– a low-growing, early-ripening and unpretentious annual with strong pubescence; Surprise fruits are good for fresh eating and as a raw material for desserts;
- – Columbus– a tall, heat-loving and late-ripening variety, the berries of which are rich in vitamins, pectin and microelements. They are eaten fresh and made into desserts and drinks;
- – Magician– a variety with very large, flattened brown-orange, sweet and sour fruits with a slight grapefruit bitterness and a strong strawberry aroma. The berry juice tastes like orange juice, but has a brighter bouquet;
Mexican Physalis (Physalis ixocarpa)
Physalis vegetable is represented by the species Physalis Mexicana, or glutenous, and its varieties. The fruits of the vegetable physalis resemble tomatoes more than the fruits of other species. Among vegetable physalises, there are tall varieties, and there are also low, spreading ones. The fruits are yellow, green, and purple in color, and they vary in shape and size. Vegetable physalis are less demanding of heat and more productive, but when fresh they are not as tasty as berry ones. But they make excellent marinades, pickles, caviar and salads. The most famous varieties in the culture of the middle zone:
- – Ground Gribovsky– a cold-resistant, mid-early productive variety with a bush height of up to 80 cm and semi-erect branches. Light green, sweet and sour in taste, the fruits weigh 60 g;
- – Confectionery– a large-fruited mid-season variety with sour round fruits of light green or dark green color, which can not only be pickled, salted and made into caviar, but also used for making homemade desserts;
- – Korolek– an early ripening variety, which is used, like the Confectionery variety, for processing into desserts and canned vegetables;
- – Moscow early- an early ripening variety with almost recumbent branches and sweet light yellow fruits weighing up to 80 g.
Physalis decorative
Chinese lanterns- are a type of herbaceous perennial. All its parts are not only inedible, but also poisonous, but it enjoys constant success among landscape designers. This physalis reaches its greatest decorative value in late summer or early autumn, when its boxes acquire a bright orange color.
- – Franchet- This plant is often cultivated as an annual. Physalis Franchet bushes reach a height of 90 cm, its leaves are oval, widened towards the base, up to 15 cm long. Up to 15 “lanterns” can form on one shoot, which are the fruits of physalis, dressed in bright cups;
- – Alkekengi- also a type of decorative physalis with yellow, red or orange “lanterns”.
Useful properties of physalis
The composition of the fruits of edible physalis includes substances such as dietary fiber, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, structured water, vitamins A and C, trace elements iron and zinc and macroelements potassium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus and magnesium. Physalis berries are used as an antiseptic, diuretic, analgesic, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory and choleretic agent. They are used to make decoctions and infusions for the treatment of bronchitis, urolithiasis, rheumatism, edema, hepatitis, gout, and cystitis. Eating fresh berries alleviates the symptoms of dermatoses, dysentery and hypertension.
Physalis - contraindications
Do not eat the fruits of the ornamental physalis - they are poisonous. And be careful with the calyxes that contain the fruits of the plant, as they contain physaline and alkaloids - toxic substances that, if they enter your body, can cause serious harm to it.
Growing edible and ornamental physalis species
Physalis is not an ordinary and common plant. But he also had connoisseurs. “Bubble grass,” as it is also called, captivated us with the appearance of its flowers. Its scientific name is entirely related to the interesting flowering and stands for "to blow a bubble"
General description of perennial and annual physalis
The plant belongs to the Solanaceae family, has about 120 subspecies, among which more than 20 are edible. It is most widespread in South and North America, where it comes from.
In countries with warm climates, physalia grows in the wild, propagates by self-sowing, sometimes turning into a real weed in the garden. There are annual and perennial plants.
Externally, they are thin stems, the length of which ranges from 0.2 m to 1.5 m. The appearance also has contradictions: there are straight and curved stems, bare and with hairs, the number of branches can be large or almost equal to zero. The leaves grow in opposite pairs, and in the lower part of the branches their alternate arrangement predominates.
Flowers grow singly, rarely in pairs. along the entire length of the stem. They have a bell-shaped, swollen calyx with 5 to 10 ribs, with teeth that meet at the apex. It tends to grow strongly and resemble in appearance a bubble, inside of which the fruit is located.
Fruit – orange berry. less often red, the size of a cherry (up to 2 cm in diameter), inside of which there are seeds. The berries have excellent taste and healing properties. One bush can produce a harvest of 3-5 kg.
Ornamental physalis is a relative of the tomato, but if you compare them, it is more resistant to cold and drought, ripens faster and is not susceptible to attacks by pests and diseases. Despite all its properties, it is better to grow it in warmth and in the sun, then growth will not be inhibited.
Ornamental physalis is called “Chinese lanterns” and is a perennial plant. Care must be taken when breeding this species because all its parts contain poison that is dangerous to humans. That is why an ornamental plant is in demand only among landscape designers. Decorative value is provided by bright boxes during the ripening period in August - September.
In autumn, the branches of the plant are cut together into bolls and dried, removing the leaves. The plant looks great in a winter bouquet of dried flowers, creating a bright mood with its appearance.
The most famous are two subspecies of “Chinese lanterns”
- Franchet. Often cultivated as an annual plant. Its height reaches 0.9 m, the leaves have an oval shape, expand closer to the base and reach a length of up to 15 cm. One shoot can bear 10-15 fruits, framed by bright cups.
- Alkekengi. Its cups can have a variety of bright colors: yellow, orange, red.
Description of edible species of physalis
There are two types of physalis suitable for human consumption: vegetable and berry. The fruit contains many useful elements.. carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins A and C, various microelements and macroelements, structured water and dietary fiber.
Thanks to such a rich composition, the berries are widely used in folk medicine. They are used as antiseptics, diuretics, anti-inflammatory, choleretic, hemostatic drugs, as well as painkillers.
Vegetable Physalis
The vegetable variety of physalis is called “Mexican”; its subspecies are also distinguished. A vegetable plant may have long stems, or it may be stunted. The fruits resemble tomatoes and are larger in size compared to other varieties.
The color of the berries comes in a wide variety of colors: yellow, green, purple. The shape and size of the fruits of this species vary greatly.
Vegetable physalis can be grown in cool climatic conditions, and the harvest will not suffer at all. The taste of fruits is significantly inferior to berry varieties. but they make delicious marinades, salads and pickles.
Known subspecies of the vegetable variety:
- King. It is a fruit used for making desserts and canned food. Differs in early ripening;
- Confectionery. Externally, these are green berries of different shades, used for preparing various pickles, as well as homemade desserts;
- Ground Gribovsky. Resistant to cold, bears fruit well. The fruits are light green with a sweet and sour taste. Their weight reaches 60g;
- Moscow early. Ripens quickly, has light yellow berries, which are much larger than the previous type (up to 80g). It is distinguished by strongly inclined branches.
Before eating a vegetable variety, you need to rinse it thoroughly under warm running water. This procedure helps to wash away the sticky substance that covers the berry. It is worth noting that this type of physalis has jelly properties that are not inherent in vegetables.
It is distinguished by good preservation of its properties and nutritional elements during storage, which can last for a fairly long period of time.
The fesalis variety Korolek is a fruit used for making desserts and canned food.
Varieties of physalis berry
On the berry physalis, the fruits do not grow large in size, therefore, in comparison with a vegetable plant, the berries are much smaller. This is fully compensated by its taste and unforgettable aroma.
This dessert variety can be eaten raw and not doused with hot water. Sweet dishes, jams and preserves are prepared from it.
Subspecies of physalis berry
- Izyumny. It is characterized by a sweet taste with a slight sourness. It is remembered by the aftertaste and smell of pineapple. The juice is similar to tangerine juice, and the dried fruits resemble raisins. Storage can be carried out for up to six months.
- Peruvian. It can be compared to strawberries in terms of the amount of sugar and acids. It has a non-sweet taste with pronounced fruity notes, which the aroma also possesses. It does not last long due to the delicate structure of the fruit.
- Strawberry. Bushes of medium height. The berries are distinguished by their amber color and strawberry smell.
- Jammy."Plum Jam" has interesting purple fruits. It is eaten fresh or canned.
- Pineapple. The small fruits ripen early and have a sweet taste and smell of pineapple. They make not only jam, but also candied fruits.
This annual plant can reproduce using berries that fall in the fall.
Methods for propagating physalis in open ground
Physalis is very similar in its properties to a tomato. It needs to be planted in the soil on which cucumbers, cabbage, and onions previously grew. In open ground, the plant overwinters only in warm, mild climates; to do this, it is enough to provide it with air.
a spoon made of brushwood. In all other conditions, it is necessary to reseed physalis annually or replant before cold weather in a pot, which is brought into the house for storage.
Reproduction in favorable conditions in open ground occurs by dividing the bush, cuttings, for this purpose young parts of the stem are taken from the top, and seeds that fall into the soil from fallen berries. Perennial physalises tend to grow strongly. This process must be restrained by rejuvenating the plant every 6-7 years.
Planting and features of caring for physalis in the garden
To successfully grow physalis, you need to know the rules for planting it. In Russia, especially in the Urals, the plant grows successfully if the soil is suitable for it, which should not be acidic and not too wet.
In spring, seeds are sown in pots with special fertilized soil for growing seedlings. It does not require diving during the entire cultivation. It is necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature and moderate soil moisture. Care also involves fertilizing the soil with fertilizer made from bird droppings.
Since the plant is resistant to cool weather, it can be planted as early as May, covering it during frosts.
The design of the beds is as follows: about 0.5 m should be between
in rows, and in the rows between plants they maintain 0.3-0.4 m. With this planting, it is convenient to care for physalis, and also comfortable conditions for it are maintained. The seedlings need to be deepened into the ground up to the first leaf.
After about 2 months, the fruits of the plant begin to ripen. This can be determined visually: the box becomes lighter, then gradually dries out, and the berries inside look consistent with their variety.
If by the time of the autumn frosts there are still unripe fruits, they can be removed together with the branches under a canopy, where they will ripen.
Physalis is resistant to cool weather; you can plant it as early as May, covering it during frosts
Growing physalis at home from seeds
The easiest way to propagate physalis is to plant seeds. It’s easy to collect them yourself: wash the early fruits thoroughly and crush them. Leave the pulp of juice, pulp and seeds for a couple of days for light fermentation at a temperature of approximately 26 degrees. It is not recommended to add water because the seeds will germinate.
Remove the seeds from the pulp and rinse in water, then place on paper or a towel to absorb excess liquid. Then dry quickly so that the seeds do not lose their quality.
In climatic conditions that do not allow growing the plant outside, you can grow indoor physalis from seeds. To do this, you will need to free up space on the windowsill to put a box with one of the plant types there.
Physalis is an interesting plant that is gradually gaining popularity along with its relatives from the family
Prepare soil that is fertilized and saturated with useful elements, which will subsequently need to be fed with a special mixture of microelements for soil every 4 weeks. The mixture can be purchased at relevant stores. Plant the seeds in the ground so that the distance between the stems is approximately ¼ meter. If you plant more densely, you can then thin out the rows.
Before the first shoots appear, you should water carefully so as not to wash out the seeds. To prevent moisture from evaporating quickly, you can cover the crops. After the plant is formed, care is carried out as usual: not very frequent watering, periodic fertilization of the soil.
The ideal conditions would be an abundance of light and heat, a comfortable temperature for physalis from 18 to 25 degrees. In winter, the plant feels good on the window of the sunny side of the house, and in summer it is advisable to take it out onto the balcony or into the yard, where it can fully straighten its stems and bring a rich harvest.
Chinese physalis lantern: summer lights in frosty winter
Physalis is a valuable dietary, medicinal and ornamental crop. Tomatoes and tobacco, which belong to the nightshade family, have an amazing perennial relative. This is a decorative physalis that decorates some summer cottages from autumn to spring. Its white flowers, which bloom in June, are modest and unnoticeable among the summer riot of colors. But the bright orange fruit boxes, similar to Chinese lanterns, catch the eye from a distance against the backdrop of an empty snow-covered garden. They are used to create incredibly beautiful decorative compositions.
Physalis, meaning “bubble” in Greek, has over a hundred plant species distributed in southern Europe, Asia (all the way to Japan), in the tropics and subtropics of Central and southern North America. Among them there are so-called strawberry and vegetable species of physalis with edible fruits. The first of those named are low-growing bushes, studded with fragrant small boxes of bright yellow color. Their vegetable-type relatives have rather large, tasty fruits of yellow, green or purple color.
As a rule, they do not tolerate wintering, because... These are heat-loving plants. They were known in their homeland long before Columbus.
This wonderful plant brings joy and will decorate the house with its exquisite and bright boxes, reminiscent of warm and sunny summer days.
Among the ancient Indians, who called the tasty berries small tomatoes (tomatillos), they were much more popular as food than tomatoes.
The decorative type of physalis, Physalis Franchet, differs from other varieties of similar plants by its picturesque clusters of bright bubbles. Their berries are not suitable for eating due to their bitter taste and unpleasant odor. In frosty winter, the bitterness of the fruits is significantly reduced, however, it is still not recommended to use them for food. Since these fruits are harmless, they can be successfully used as food coloring.
Bouquets of bright fruit boxes of this type are indispensable when creating design projects; they look great in photographs.
For the New Year, bright wreaths made of physalis are very appropriate in combination with candles of the same color, placed in low containers
We are constantly receiving letters in which gardeners are worried about what will happen to their harvest in the fall. Many plants die and wither, or simply do not have time to produce a harvest. Can plant growth stimulants help? And how to choose exactly the right one, suitable for the climatic conditions and soil type of the site?
Growing and caring for physalis
Decorative physalis is the most unpretentious type of plant. It tolerates even severe frost and thrives both in the sun and in a shaded area. But when planted in a well-lit place, you can get especially large and bright plant specimens.
- Physalis seeds are sown in the depths of winter in small containers, like tomatoes, providing them with light and fertilizing.
- Prevention of the appearance of fungus in the soil is carried out by dusting it with ash and sand.
- Physalis seedlings are planted in open ground towards the end of spring.
- These plants do not like areas where nightshade crops grew before them. They are very favorable to soils that previously contained legumes, cabbage, potatoes, and cucumbers.
- Although physalis grows almost everywhere, its harvest is especially good on pre-fertilized soil. To choose the right type and dose of fertilizing, we recommend that you read the article on fertilizers: effects on plants, soil, humans. However, “acidic” soil needs liming before planting this crop in it.
- In addition, physalis must be watered frequently, while avoiding stagnation of water in the ground. Only at the end of summer, due to the ripening of the bolls, should watering the crop be reduced.
- It is better to tie up tall bushes in order to preserve the beauty and slenderness of the stem, which is necessary when creating various bouquets from them.
- To speed up the ripening of the decorative parts of plants at the end of summer, you should pinch off their tops.
Bright decorative lanterns should be dried first. It's not difficult at all. And then you can create a wide variety of compositions from them
Reproduction of orange "Chinese lantern"
- The above-ground part of the plants dies off with the onset of cold weather. But the roots tolerate frosts well, even down to thirty degrees. When spring comes, shoots appear from them. They should be seated.
- Propagation of the crop by cuttings is also practiced.
In addition, physalis bushes need rejuvenation every five years. In the spring, the overgrown creeping rhizomes are dug up, divided into parts and transplanted to another bed. - It is no secret that these plants often grow too much, conquering more and more new territories. You even have to protect them with decorative fences, plastic tapes or slate.
Compositions from decorative physalis
Bright decorative lanterns should be dried first. It's not difficult at all.
- Bouquets of physalis look great in an openwork wooden vase. Next to it you can place a pumpkin of a similar color, “revitalizing” it with glued eyes, a smiling mouth, etc.
- The bouquet can also be placed in a watering can of a similar color without water.
- Bright lanterns can be poured into a large round and transparent container.
- By hanging several branches upside down on the wall and throwing a hat of a similar color on top of them, you can get a picture with a peculiar long red braid.
- This decoration is very suitable for creating a variety of wreaths, both round and rectangular. You can even use different frames for this. The resulting compositions look good on the wall and door.
- On New Year's Day, bright wreaths made of physalis are very appropriate in combination with candles of the same color, placed in low containers. You can also illuminate them with light bulbs.
- Physalis branches look harmonious in combination with pine needles, rowan bunches, and ears of corn. You can add various beads and multi-colored braided wire circles to them. All this goes well with curtains of autumn colors, draperies and other various decorative elements.
- Physalis can also be used to create your own topiary.
The benefits and harms of consuming physalis
Physalis is rich in vitamins and various microelements. The properties of physalis and its effect on the human body are multifaceted.
- By saturating the body with useful substances, it is able to remove harmful components from it. For example, thanks to the potassium contained in fruits, the body is cleansed of excess sodium, which leads to edema.
- Physalis is widely known as a medicinal plant that promotes the flow of bile and has diuretic, hemostatic, and analgesic properties. It is also used in the treatment of colds and coughs.
- Physalis berries are an invaluable remedy used for many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular problems, and women's diseases; they help get rid of stones and prevent their formation.
- However, with increased acidity of gastric juice, berries should be consumed with caution. The fruit shells and leaves of the plant are poisonous; they can only be used as an external remedy, applied to wounds and bruises.
- Berries can in some cases cause allergies. They should not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women. Due to its strong diuretic properties, this medication should be taken under the supervision of a specialist.
Bright orange fruit boxes, similar to Chinese lanterns, are striking from afar against the backdrop of an empty snow-covered garden
Physalis is a valuable dietary, medicinal and ornamental crop. It is difficult to list all its beneficial properties. No wonder it was so popular among the ancient peoples of the Mayans, Aztecs and Incas. It is easy to grow in the garden. It is easy to care for. This wonderful plant brings joy and will decorate the house with its exquisite and bright boxes, reminiscent of warm and sunny summer days.
Physalis has been known to man since ancient times. The first to become acquainted with this plant were the inhabitants of North and South America, who grew physalis 7000 BC. e. Moreover, this berry plant can be cultivated in the conditions of our country. Unfortunately, not all gardeners have the necessary information about the features of growing and caring for physalis. That’s why it’s so extremely rare to find it in the areas.
But it must be said that summer residents needlessly ignore this plant. Its fruits are not only very tasty, but also rich in nutrients, and in this respect they can compete on equal terms with tomatoes. Therefore, if you have already become interested in physalis, then you will probably be interested in learning about the technology for growing it in your country house or apartment.
Description and biological features of physalis
The Physalis genus includes more than 110 species of this plant. However, most of them are wild; there are few cultivated varieties among them - only 4. In our country, the most widespread are vegetable or Mexican physalis, strawberry physalis, and also gluten-fruited physalis, but the latter is grown extremely rarely.
You can often find physalis ornamental. Its orange fruits, reminiscent of lanterns, are often used in the design of dachas and city flower beds. Although physalis is a classic perennial, the cultivation technology used in relation to it corresponds to annuals. Therefore, sowing seeds or cuttings are used as the main methods of propagation.
Mexican physalis grows in the form of a rather voluminous bush, reaching a height of no more than 1 m. The strawberry variety looks more compact, which can grow up to 0.5 m. During the growing season, it forms single flowers that have different shades - yellow, green, orange. The cup, which looks like a flashlight, also has a rich color palette. It can be yellow, green, orange, bright red and purple. u grow up fruits weighing 5-25 g, from which an extremely persistent odor emanates. The larger berries are the vegetable physalis, the weight of which can range from 25 to 100 grams. The seeds themselves are small in size and can be used for sowing for 8 years.
Physalis vegetable belongs to the nightshade family, among the representatives of which it stands out for its greatest resistance to negative temperatures. Seedlings can withstand frosts down to -3 degrees. Caring for this plant is easy. This plant loves sunny areas, tolerates periods of drought well, and feels best in light, organic-rich soils. The important point is that the Colorado potato beetle does not show any interest in physalis. This culture is resistant to late blight, as well as other fungal diseases. This makes it more versatile, allowing it to be cultivated in an apartment, as well as in the country.
The fruits of the plant that have a sweetish taste, are rich in many useful substances:
- sugars - 12.5%;
- healthy fiber - up to 1%;
- proteins - about 2 g;
- carotene -1.2 mg;
- vitamin C - up to 30 mg.
The composition also contains a large amount of organic polyacids and lysine, the uniqueness of which is associated with its ability to prevent cancer.
Physalis solarifolia is sometimes called the ashwagandha plant, the healing properties of which have been used by Indian healers since time immemorial:
A little about the most popular types and varieties
To remain completely satisfied, it is better to choose the best varieties of physalis for growing, which do not create problems in care.
Physalis vegetable
Among all types of edible physalis, the most interesting is mexican look. Many gourmets enjoy the fruits of this plant. Therefore, they are often used for preparing dishes in many restaurants. One plant can bear up to 200 fruits per season, which can have different colors. The only thing that remains unchanged is the flashlight case, which always has a yellow-green color. Vegetable physalis is used for food in a variety of forms: raw, pickled, salted. It is also used as a base for making caviar, as well as a variety of confectionery products: marmalade, jam, candied fruits, fruit candies.
Among the varieties there are species that have best taste properties:
- Korolek;
- Gribovsky ground;
- Moscow early;
- Large-fruited;
- Likhtarik.
The plants listed above are usually classified as canned salad plants.
Physalis strawberry and berry
This type of physalis is known as Florida or pubescent. It produces miniature fruits the size of a pea, but they are sweeter and more aromatic. In this regard, they can compete with strawberries and raspberries, since they contain twice as much fruit sugars. From a practical point of view, it makes sense to cultivate strawberry physalis if one of the family members suffers from diabetes. Fruit have a bright amber color.
One plant can produce up to 3 kg of delicious berries per season. They can be consumed not only fresh, but also dried. However, in this case, changes occur to them: the dried fruits become very similar to raisins. Before using for food, physalis fruits must be treated with boiling water. This will help remove the sticky substance that is present on the surface of the berries. Because of this, the fruits have a somewhat unusual taste, which some people may not like. The fruits of the Candy and Philanthrope varieties have the best taste properties.
Physalis raisin
It is usually considered as variety of strawberry physalis. This type has a more pleasant taste, as it has a slight sourness and a pineapple flavor. The juice of this plant is very unusual, it resembles tangerine juice.
Physalis peruviana
This variety has many fans all over the world. The uniqueness of its fruits is given by a refined fruity taste with sourness, they give off the smell of grapefruit. The berries themselves are large in size and flattened in shape, and they give off a pronounced orange strawberry aroma. The fruits of the Columbus and Kudesnik varieties have the best taste properties. When dried, they become similar to dried apricots, but there is still a difference here, since their taste becomes brighter.
Physalis decorative
This plant can reach a height of 60 cm and has white flowers that do not have a decorative effect. Physalis begins to transform with the onset of autumn, when it appears bright orange lanterns containing red berries inside. However, the flashlights do not remain this way for long and gradually change their color to transparent.
At this moment, only veins and berries can be distinguished. Growing physalis is a fairly simple undertaking, since it is a perennial, which will expand its rhizome over many years. Branches with lanterns have bright decorative properties, thanks to which they can be included in dry bouquets. This plant forms an excellent composition in combination with lunaria.
List and features of plants of the nightshade family:
There is an opinion that physalis is an excellent choice for lazy gardeners. And there is a logical explanation for this. Physalis is not only resistant to frost, but its fruits also quickly reach maturity. Provided favorable conditions are provided, it can produce high yields.
The gardener does not have to spend a lot of time and effort growing seedlings from seeds. Instead, seeds can be sown in open ground in early spring. Moreover, this will only need to be done once. Subsequently he will form seeds, which will provide you with new plants. However, if it is important for you to get tasty physalis berries as early as possible, then it is best to use the seedling growing method.
In principle, a gardener does not need to delve into the specifics of this crop in order to get a high yield of physalis from seeds. This plant grows well on heavy and sandy soils; the situation does not change too much if instead of a lit area you plant physalis in the shade.
Sowing seeds for seedlings
You can plan this operation immediately after the New Year. For these purposes, it is recommended to use separate containers, for example, 0.5 l cups.
- with the onset of March they are transplanted into a common flowerpot or planting box;
- when the time comes to plant seedlings in the ground, you need to be very careful not to damage the root system when dividing the bushes;
- When the ambient air temperature remains above + 8 degrees, you can begin hardening the seedlings; for this, the seedlings begin to be taken out into the fresh air.
To get the first fruits from seeds, approximately 100 days must pass from the moment the shoots appear. Physalis berries grow in places where the stem branches. Most of the harvest is formed on two shoots of the first order and four shoots of the second order. In other areas, the berries grow singly, and they often have non-standard sizes.
Fruiting continues until the first frost. You can determine that the berries are ripe by a change in color and the beginning of their shedding. It is recommended to plan the collection of edible physalis fruits on a sunny day. In early September, you need to pinch off the tops; as a result, the plant will spend energy not on the growth of branches, but on the formation of fruits.
About blueberries forte, which have nothing to do with blueberries, but the most direct thing to the Solanaceae family:
Sometimes, with the arrival of frost, most of the berries do not have time to reach technical maturity. In this case, the situation can be corrected by ripening them. The gardener will have to dig the bush out of the ground with its roots, move it to a dry, frost-free room and hang it there. This measure allows harvesting until the New Year, and in some cases until spring. The gardener does not have to take any action: when the berries are ripe, they will fall to the ground on their own. But you need to place a soft cloth under the plants so that they are not damaged. Usually, unripe physalis berries that do not have defects ripen in 3-4 months. Ripe berries can be stored for 2 months at a temperature from 1 to 5-6 degrees.
The harvesting of Physalis edible seeds is carried out using a similar technology as in the case of tomatoes.
First, healthy, large, ripe fruits are selected, which need to be cut into two parts, placed in a container filled with rainwater, and allowed to stand for 24 hours until the pulp becomes soft. In the future, you need to separate the seeds from the pulp using a sieve, then wash them and dry them. Physalis fruits have very small seeds - more than 1000 seeds per gram.
If a gardener grows several varieties on a plot, then there is a high probability of mixing them. This the plant pollinates well with others. At the same time, the fruits of edible physalis, grown as a result of cross-pollination with several varieties, have similar size and taste properties as the original, and in some cases surpass it.
Conclusion
Among the well-known crops there are many that are undeservedly ignored by many gardeners. This is exactly what physalis is, which produces delicious fruits of bright orange color. It is very easy to care for because it can grow in any soil. Moreover, in some cases, you can not even waste time and effort on growing seedlings, but sow the seeds directly into the ground. This will only have to be done once, since in the future young cuttings will begin to grow from the physalis bush.
Physalis is an annual or perennial plant of the nightshade family with a characteristic, easily recognizable type of berries, which are round in shape and placed in boxes of bright orange inflorescences. There are different types of physalis, but all of them are very beneficial for the body. Poisonous physalis is often confused with the inedible parts of this plant - in particular, the sepals, which look like a paper Chinese lantern and surround the physalis berry, are inedible and poisonous. Dangerous alkaloids were also found in the roots of this plant.
Is it possible to get poisoned by physalis?
Like other members of the nightshade family, physalis contains substances that in large quantities can cause negative reactions. What kind of substances are these, is physalis edible or not?
Tomatoes and potatoes, for example, which are also in the nightshade family, contain solanine, and eggplants contain solanine-M. Physalis also contains a substance called physalin.
Physaline is a non-toxic alkaloid and carotenoid found in large quantities in physalis. It gives the berry a bitter taste and an orange-red color.
There are also different varieties of physalis, which are divided mainly into decorative and edible:
- decorative “Chinese lanterns” are small in shape and bright orange in color. They are widely known in Russia as a decorative element used by confectioners to decorate cakes and other products. This berry has a bitter taste, although it is fully ripe. This variety is not edible due to its bitterness, but there is no scientific evidence of its toxicity;
- Edible varieties have larger fruits, and the color of ripe berries can vary from yellow to red. There are many varieties of such fruits that have a pleasant sweet and sour taste. Popular are pineapple, strawberry, vegetable physalis, as well as other varieties.
However, it should be remembered that any type of physalis is best consumed when ripe, since green fruits can lead to minor digestive upset. It is very simple to distinguish a ripe fruit: the sepals surrounding the berry, as soon as it is ripe, dries out and bursts. This is the main sign that the berry is ready to eat. Physalis makes very tasty jams and preserves; it is dried, boiled, pickled, salted, added to seasonings and eaten raw.
Common physalis grows easily in central Russia; it can be stored in the winter - for this you do not need to peel the berries from the boxes in which they ripen. Physalis (ordinary) decorative has small round fruits 1-2 cm in size and a capsule that covers the berry with a beautiful triangle.
Like the berries of other varieties of physalis, common physalis has a film on the surface of the berry with a sticky composition that tastes bitter. It is difficult to wash off with water and has a waxy texture. Due to their small size, decorative physalis berries contain a more concentrated substance called physalin, which gives the fruit a bitter taste. Ornamental physalis also contains other toxic compounds.. Due to these properties, the fruits are not recommended for consumption.
The so-called vegetable physalis, or Mexican physalis, is the most common type of edible physalis, although not the only one. Edible physalis is available in various varieties and is an edible plant species.. Due to the larger size and selection with different plants, different varieties were obtained - “Sugar Miracle”, “Plum Jam” and many others are widely known. Such berries make very tasty dishes, and in the form of jam, such a berry is more reminiscent of figs, and in savory dishes it goes well with vegetables, which makes physalis an excellent ingredient for a salad or side dish.
Physalis poisoning is possible only if this fruit is used incorrectly - it should not be eaten unripe.
In addition to signs of ripening, you can also distinguish edible physalis from inedible ones by taste: an inedible fruit will have an unpleasant bitterness. You should also be sure to rinse the fruits before cooking, preferably in hot water. The berry has a sticky, waxy coating that gives it a bitter taste - it needs to be washed off with water.
What are the benefits of physalis?
Bright juicy fruits have a number of advantages - a sour taste that perfectly quenches thirst, and a lot of useful properties for any occasion. Edible physalis is useful for the body, as it has a rich nutritional composition: it contains a considerable content of organic acids - ascorbic, succinic, malic, tartaric, citric. Contains pectin, which is beneficial for bone tissue, and a large amount of carotene and protein. This Berry is a source of bioflavonoids, it contains minerals necessary for health and a complex of important vitamins. Has an antioxidant effect.
The plant is used in folk medicine and homeopathy as a diuretic, choleretic, hemostatic, antiseptic and analgesic. Effective for rheumatism, diseases of the respiratory tract and urinary system.
To preserve the rich composition, the berries are taken raw. For medicinal purposes, they are used to make juices, decoctions, and tinctures. The roots and leaves of the plant are also used for treatment, as they contain a large amount of useful substances.
The beneficial properties of the fruit are also indispensable for anemia, hypertension, for the treatment of painful menstruation, rheumatism, and dermatosis. Modern medicine uses this remedy as a multivitamin and dietary complex that can give the body the necessary microelements and provide it with adequate nutrition.
A decoction of the fruit is used in complex therapy to treat urolithiasis.. The juice of the berries is used for wounds; they have regenerative properties and are suitable for the treatment of other skin lesions - lichen, gout.
The vitamin and mineral composition of physalis is as follows:
- vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B6, B12, PP;
- trace elements magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium and zinc.
Thus, regular use of physalis will provide the body with the necessary substances that ensure its normal functioning, and, consequently, immunity and overall well-being will improve.
Growing and care
Although physalis is originally a South American plant, its production is also possible in central Russia. We grow both decorative and edible varieties of this plant.
This plant is very picky about temperature and loves a lot of sun and low humidity.. However, this plant cannot be called picky - with proper care, it can grow up to a meter in height, and supply the winter cellar with a variety of dishes - both sweet and salty, such as caviar or pickles.
Growing and caring for edible physalis does not require special knowledge. It is enough to purchase and plant seeds, fertilize the soil and take care of the limestone content in its composition. Here are some secrets of planting on your site:
- the seeds should not be contaminated with soil - then the plant will not get sick;
- do not plant different varieties in the same soil - they can interbreed and bear deformed fruits;
- on waterlogged and acidic soil it grows poorly and often gets sick;
- loves a large amount of ash and humus;
- Seeds should be germinated after disinfection and placed in a damp cloth;
- seedlings, before planting in open ground, prefer a cool temperature - ideally about 17 degrees Celsius, frequent ventilation is necessary;
- Frequent watering is needed only during the growth period, when the plant has grown, watering should be reduced.
Physalis will be very useful at any time of the year and, in addition to gastronomic variety, will help cope with vitamin deficiency, strengthen the immune system, and the berries also remove toxins and heavy metals from the body due to the unique elements they contain.
Contraindications and side effects
Contraindications for use can also be extensive - this includes intolerance to the berry and an allergy to one or more chemicals in its composition - for example, to a carotenoid. The content of organic acids in the composition can adversely affect stomach diseases associated with high acidity - in this case there may be heartburn. Despite the fact that this berry is successfully used to treat gastritis, normalize the acid-base balance in the gastrointestinal tract and other types of diseases of the stomach and intestines, it should be used with caution by people with high acidity.
Physalis can be both useful when used in small quantities, and can become a culprit of poisoning if the berry is consumed excessively. The positive effect on the body is beyond doubt, however, only those varieties that were bred during the selection process specifically for their safe use in food should be used for food. The low content of toxic and harmful compounds in their composition became possible thanks to the artificial breeding of the crop by selecting forms and types of plants. When wild plant species are used as food, poisoning, even severe conditions, cannot be ruled out.. In addition, we must not forget that during the ripening process the amount of physalin sharply decreases, which increases safety in ripe fruits and potential harm in unripe ones.
Conclusion
You can distinguish edible types of physalis from inedible ones by taste - the pulp of the fruit should not have a strong bitter taste, but a slight bitterness may be present. The main taste of the fruit is sweet and sour, pleasant fresh, aroma with notes of strawberries and other berries. The bitterness from the pulp should not be confused with the waxy film around the berry, which also has a bitter taste and is characteristic of edible and inedible varieties. The berries must be washed in plenty of water to remove the film. Moreover, if you wash the berries in hot water, although this is an effective method, you will notice a change in taste to a more sour one.
Only ripe fruits are used for food., which are ripe to orange or red (depending on the variety) and their capsule is completely dry. Poisonous elements of the plant - roots, leaves and inflorescences - should not be used as food, since the inedible part of the plant contains many dangerous compounds.
