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3.8
Rated 3.8 out of 5 stars
13

Botanical Interests

Chinese Lantern Seeds

Chinese Lantern Seeds

Physalis alkekengi

Regular price $2.69
~0.15 g (~70 seeds)

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70 seeds

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Product Details

Chinese lantern, also known as winter cherry, is a very popular plant for dried arrangements, and for good reasons—brilliant color, unique shape, easy to grow, and long-lasting. A striking backdrop to fall/winter decorations, as well as late summer color for borders, beds, and containers. Though perennial in USDA zones 3–9, it is often grown as an annual because it heartily spreads by self-sowing or by underground roots. Caution: Most parts of this plant are toxic if ingested.
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  • Variety Info
  • Sowing Info

Variety Info

Family: Solanaceae

Native: Asia and Europe

Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 3-9

Exposure: Full sun

Bloom Period: Summer

Plant Dimensions: 12"–24" tall

Variety Info: Flowers are small, white and star-shaped, with calyces that enlarge and change from green to red-orange in late summer/fall

Attributes: Cut Flower

Sowing Info

When to Sow Outside: 1 to 2 weeks before your average last frost date, or in summer up to 2 months before your average first fall frost date.

When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date.

Sprouts in: 20–25 days

Plant Seeds (Depth): ⅛"

Space Seeds: A group of 3 seeds every 12"–18"

Thinning: When 4" tall, thin to 12"–18" apart

3.8
Rated 3.8 out of 5 stars
Based on 13 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 8 Total 4 star reviews: 1 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 1 Total 1 star reviews: 3
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13 reviews
  • Julieann W.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    May 17, 2026
    Incredibly hearty!

    In 2025, I seeded these indoors and while acclimating them, I accidentally let them dry out. A few days of watering, two seemed viable so I planted them. But they were in an area without irrigation and I neglected them yet again. They never grew taller than 4" and no had flowers, which was my fault.

    Imagine my surprise when I learned the rhizomes survived and multiplied like crazy! This is the area that had two half dead plants last year. 2025, May in Denver (zone 6a) and I've got 2 dozen seedlings. I am SO excited for these to bloom and will come back to post photos when they do. They are very invasive as the description reads so be warned but as there is nothing else in this area, I'm all for it. Ridiculously hearty growers and I can't wait for summer blooms! Like all Botanical Interest seeds, these are great quality.

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
    EG Profile picture for Epic Gardening
    Epic Gardening
    May 18, 2026

    Hey Julieann,

    We love hearing that despite the challenges in 2025, your Chinese Lantern Seeds survived and multiplied like crazy - from two struggling plants to 2 dozen seedlings is incredible! We can't wait to see those summer blooms when you post photos, and we're so excited you're giving them the space to really thrive this time around. Thanks for sharing your Chinese Lantern comeback success with us! Keep on growing 🌻️

  • Esther M.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Mar 14, 2026
    All the seeds I ordered are great!

    I’m totally happy with botanical interests.

    Love the seeds and the customer service is super!

    I will definitely order again. Thank you!

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
    EG Profile picture for Epic Gardening
    Epic Gardening
    Mar 15, 2026

    Hey Esther,

    Wow, thank you so much for this amazing feedback! It means the world to us to know that you're totally happy with both the quality of our seeds and our customer service team. We can't wait to help you with your next growing adventure when you order again! Thank you for choosing us and for taking the time to share this wonderful review. Keep on growing 🌻️

  • Teresa S.
    OR, United States
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Sep 20, 2025
    THEY’VE TAKEN OVER

    Oh the HORRORS!

    -on a serious note, they have been a gorgeous addition to my fall flower garden and quite bountiful. They’ll do nicely in dried arrangements!

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
    Who do you grow for? Yourself
    How do you prefer to grow? In Ground
  • linda g.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Oct 26, 2024
    5 Stars

    i rec'd my seeds and have planted them here in northwest ohio, we will see in the spring!

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
  • Kathleen J.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Aug 5, 2024
    5 Stars

    The seeds were very strong and these are prolific in my garden.

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Professional
Chinese Lantern Seeds

Chinese Lantern Seeds