Customer Service Hours
Mon-Fri 8-4 MST
Features
Family
Solanaceae
Native
Asia and Europe
Life Cycle
Perennial
Plant Height
Medium (12" - 24")
Flower Color
Orange
Bloom Season
Summer
Further Information
Plant Characteristics
Cut Flower
About Chinese Lantern Seeds
Physalis alkekengi
Flowers are small, white and star-shaped, with calyces that enlarge and change from green to red-orange in late summer/fall
Planting More Flowers
Plant Spacing
A group of 3 seeds every 12"–18"
Hardiness Zones
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Required
Full sun
Plant Height
Medium (12" - 24")
Planting Depth
⅛"
Planting Details
| Seed Depth | ⅛" |
|---|---|
| Seed Spacing | A group of 3 seeds every 12"–18" |
| Thinning | When 4" tall, thin to 12"–18" apart |
| Germination | 20–25 days |
| Start Indoors | RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date. |
| Direct Sow | 1 to 2 weeks before your average last frost date, or in summer up to 2 months before your average first fall frost date. |
Find Your Frost Date & Grow Zone
Average First Frost Date
October 19
Average Last Frost Date
May 19
Your Hardiness Zone is
5b
Send Your Recommendation
Total 5 star reviews: 9 Total 4 star reviews: 1 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 1 Total 1 star reviews: 3
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Rating
Which best describes you as a gardener?
14 reviews
- Julieann W.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars5/17/26Incredibly 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? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests5/18/26Hey 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 BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars3/14/26All 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? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests3/15/26Hey 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 🌻️
- HudsonRated 5 out of 5 stars1/13/265 Stars
Thank you! Super excited and loved the extra goodies in my package
- Teresa S.OR, United StatesVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars9/20/25THEY’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? IntermediateWho do you grow for? YourselfHow do you prefer to grow? In Ground - linda g.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars10/26/245 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