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Chinese lanterns (Physalis alkekengi) look a lot like tomatillos or husk tomatoes. This is because they are all nightshade plants, which are very closely related. Even though the spring flowers are pretty, the best thing about a Chinese lantern plant is the big, swollen, red-orange seed pod that gives the plant its name.
These papery pods enclose a fruit that is edible though not very tasty. The raw fruit and leaves are poisonous, but many people like to use the pods to make dried flower arrangements.
Chinese lantern plants produce eye-catching orange papery husks that make gorgeous dried flowers. Also known as winter cherry or physic nut, these exotic plants can add pops of color to autumn displays when their husks are dried and preserved.
Read on to learn all about drying Chinese lanterns, from the best time to harvest them to decorating ideas for using these colorful dried husks.
Chinese lanterns (Physalis alkekengi) are perennials that yield unique decorative husks enclosing a small inedible berry. Here are some key facts about these plants:
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They are part of the nightshade family and relatives of tomatoes and eggplants
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The husks turn from green to a bright pumpkin orange when mature
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The common name refers to their resemblance to decorative paper lanterns.
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They are native to East Asia but grow in many temperate regions.
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The plants spread rapidly via underground rhizomes and can be invasive.
While not edible, the eye-catching husks are perfect for drying and using in fall décor when they take on gorgeous sunset hues.
When to Harvest Chinese Lanterns for Drying
Timing is important when harvesting Chinese lanterns for drying. Follow these tips:
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Wait until husks are fully orange. Pick them too soon and they won’t be as vivid.
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Harvest before husks start to split open. Dry them just as they finish ripening.
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Cut stems as long as possible for hanging upside down to dry.
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Pick in the morning after dew dries to prevent mildew issues.
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Select unblemished, perfect lanterns. Damaged ones look worse when dried.
It’s ideal to cut the stems for drying purposes soon as the husks reach their peak of color.
Prepping and Drying the Husks
Proper drying technique preserves the Chinese lanterns’ shape and color. Here’s how to dry them:
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Strip away all leaves, leaving just the husks on their stems.
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Group 2-3 stems together and secure upside down with a rubber band for hanging.
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Hang bundles in a warm, dry, dark, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct light.
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Let air dry for 2-4 weeks until husks are papery and seeds rattle inside.
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Check bundles periodically and tighten rubber bands as stems shrink during drying.
The husks will retain their vivid orange color and papery texture when thoroughly dried.
Decorative Ideas for Dried Chinese Lanterns
Dried Chinese lantern husks have many decorative uses. Here are some ideas:
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Group in clear glass vases or jars for tabletop centerpieces.
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Hang mini wreaths around necks of pumpkins and gourds.
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Scatter loose lanterns to add pops of color to fall wreaths.
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Accent autumn floral arrangements and displays.
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Mix into potpourri along with dried leaves and pinecones.
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Use to make garlands, swags, pomanders for fall décor.
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Glue onto candleholders, lamps, placecard holders for color.
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Create nature-inspired centerpieces by pairing with acorns and twigs.
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Spray paint husks metallic colors like copper or gold for extra flair.
The dried husks pair beautifully with other natural elements like dried leaves, pinecones, and acorns. Cluster them in arrangements or use individually to dress up DIY autumn crafts and decorations.
Growing Chinese Lanterns in Your Garden
Want to grow your own Chinese lanterns? A few care tips:
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Plant in spring after the last frost. They thrive in zones 4-9.
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Grow in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil. Add compost for nutrients.
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Water when top few inches of soil become dry. Avoid wet feet.
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Stake plants if needed to prevent toppling from the weight of fruits.
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Cut back finished stems after harvesting lanterns for drying.
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Contain in pots sunk into the ground or beds bordered by metal or plastic to prevent spread.
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Propagate by seed or division in spring. Space 2-3 feet apart.
With the right conditions, you’ll have a bounty of Chinese lanterns to dry and use for stunning fall décor.
Storing Your Dried Chinese Lanterns
To make your dried Chinese lanterns last:
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Keep dried stems in a cool, dry spot out of direct light. Heat and sunlight will fade colors.
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Store loose lanterns in breathable containers like burlap sacks or wire baskets. Avoid plastic bags.
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Add moisture-absorbing silica packs to storage containers to prevent mold growth.
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Check periodically for pests like spider mites and signs of rotting. Discard any compromised husks.
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Expect dried husks to last 1-3 years if stored properly in ideal cool, dry conditions.
Follow these storage tips and your dried Chinese lanterns can be enjoyed for years to come!
With their one-of-a-kind shape and vibrant orange color, Chinese lantern husks are perfect for decorating for autumn. Dry them at peak ripeness to preserve the delicate papery texture and rich hues. Display in arrangements and crafts or keep some loose in a bowl to freely admire their natural beauty. Growing these hardy plants yourself ensures you’ll have a steady supply for drying. Just be sure to mind their invasive nature. With proper harvesting, drying, storage and containment, Chinese lanterns can be a gorgeous addition to your fall decorating.
Growing Chinese Lantern Plants
Growing Chinese lantern plants is a lot like growing tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and other plants in the nightshade family. Chinese lantern is winter hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. For many people, growing Chinese lanterns from seeds works just as well as growing plants from small transplants.
Chinese lantern seeds can be a bit fussy to germinate. Start them indoors in late winter or early spring. For them to grow, you need to put them on top of the soil and put the pot somewhere with 70 to 75 degrees F temperatures and bright but indirect light. (21-24 C. ). Have patience with this plant, as it takes as long as a month for seedlings to emerge.
Once transplanted outdoors, Chinese lantern plant care and growth begins with choosing the right site. The plant needs average, moist but well-drained soil and prefers full sun though it will tolerate light shade.
How to Care for a Chinese Lantern
Caring for Chinese lanterns is easy. Keep the soil moist at all times. Water when there is less than an inch (2. 5 cm. ) of rainfall in a week and spread a 2 to 4 inch (5-10 cm. ) layer of mulch on the soil to prevent water evaporation while keeping the roots cool as well.
Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer in spring and a balanced general-purpose fertilizer after flowering.
Chinese Lanterns
FAQ
How do you preserve Chinese lanterns?
What to do with dried Chinese lanterns?
How do you waterproof Chinese lanterns?
How to revive a Chinese lantern plant?
How do you dry Chinese lanterns?
Air drying ensures that the Chinese lanterns maintain their shape. Dry single stems or gather two to three stems together for drying. While you can tie the stems together with string, a rubber band secures the stems and also contracts as the stems dry so none of the Chinese lanterns slip out.
Do Chinese lanterns like to be stood upright when drying?
I read that Chinese Lanterns like to be stood upright when drying to I put them in a tall container and allowed the bunch to dry in my garage. Here is the arrangement I made with my dried stems. I put some loose lanterns on the bottom of the clear glass vase, then tried to arrange the other stems around them.
Why are Chinese lanterns air dried?
Air drying ensures that the Chinese lanterns maintain their shape. Once properly dried, the husk feels like paper and the seeds may rattle inside. Like tomatoes and eggplant, Chinese lantern plants (Physalis alkekengi) belong to the nightshade family.
How long does a Chinese lantern take to dry?
Avoid areas with bright light, as the light may bleach some of the vivid orange from the husks. It takes three or more weeks for the lanterns to dry completely. Once properly dried, the husk feels like paper and the seeds may rattle inside. Air drying ensures that the Chinese lanterns maintain their shape.
How do you care for a Chinese lantern plant?
Alternatively, divide plants or take root cuttings in spring. Slugs can be a problem in spring before the plant starts growing rapidly – protect the plant early. All you need to know about growing and caring for Chinese lantern plant, Physalis alkekengi, in our Grow Guide.
How do you grow a Chinese lantern?
Grow Chinese lantern in moist but well-drained soil, in sun or partial shade. Keep the spreading roots in check by growing in a container. For dried flowers, cut the stems when the lanterns have turned orange and leave to dry in a dark, airy place for a few weeks.