Winter Cherry
Physalis alkekengi
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Pl. D974 — Physalis alkekengi
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IOverview
Overview
Winter Cherry, scientifically known as Physalis alkekengi, is a perennial plant native to regions including Argentina Northwest, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Nicaragua, Panamá, Peru, Trinidad-Tobago, and Venezuela. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, prefers moist conditions, and can grow in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil. It is hardy in zones 6-9 and reaches a height of about 0.3 meters. Winter Cherry is both edible and ornamental, with its distinctive papery calyx surrounding the fruit, making it a unique addition to gardens.
Quick answers
What is Winter Cherry?
Winter Cherry, scientifically known as Physalis alkekengi, is a perennial plant native to regions including Argentina Northwest, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Winter Cherry thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is a perennial hardy in zones 6-9 and grows up to 0.3 meters tall. Propagate via seeds or cuttings. Ensure the plant gets adequate moisture while avoiding waterlogged conditions.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Winter Cherry for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance perennial that thrives in full to partial sun and well-draining soil.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, potting mix, a container or garden bed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before planting outside.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5; ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, or transplant young plants into the garden after hardening off.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged; mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Pinch back shoots to encourage bushy growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain shape; harvest fruit when they turn a bright red.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: The Winter Cherry's fruit and leaves are edible. The fruits can be eaten raw or cooked in various dishes. Leaves may also be used, though specific preparation methods are not detailed in the provided data.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe5 regions
native (5)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBulgariaRussia
Asia2 regions
native (2)ChinaIndia
Americas11 regions
native (11)BoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaEcuadorEl SalvadorGuatemalaHondurasNicaraguaPeruVenezuela
Broader regions
native:Argentina Northwest, Panamá, Trinidad-Tobago, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · d9741d48-3bc5-4cc0-a708-5ff7fdb05f5e
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