How to Plant a Lantern Fruit Tree

If you are looking for a unique and flavorful fruit tree for your garden or backyard, consider planting a lantern fruit tree. Also known as Physalis alkekengi or Chinese lantern, this deciduous shrub produces small, sweet-tart orange berries that are covered in a papery husk resembling a lantern. Here are some tips on how to plant and care for your own lantern fruit tree.

Choose the Right Location

Before planting the lantern fruit tree, choose the right location that gets full to partial sun exposure. The tree can tolerate a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Avoid planting the tree in a low-lying or waterlogged area, as this can cause root rot and other diseases.

Prepare the Soil

Prepare the soil by digging a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the lantern fruit tree. Mix organic matter such as compost, peat moss or aged manure into the soil to improve drainage and provide nutrients. Be sure to remove any weeds or grass from the planting site to prevent competition for nutrients and water.

Plant the Tree

Remove the lantern fruit tree from its container and gently loosen the roots. Place the tree into the planting hole, making sure the soil level is even with the surrounding ground. Fill in the hole with soil, lightly tamp it down with your hands, and water the tree thoroughly. To help the tree establish roots, create a saucer-shaped basin around the base of the tree and water it deeply once a week during the growing season.

Provide Adequate Care

To keep the lantern fruit tree healthy and productive, provide it with adequate care throughout the growing season. Water it regularly, especially during periods of drought, and mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize the tree in early spring with a balanced fertilizer, and prune it in late winter or early spring to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches.

Harvest the Fruit

The lantern fruit tree typically produces fruit in late summer or fall, depending on the climate. Wait until the berries are fully ripe and the husks have turned papery and orange before harvesting. Gently twist or cut the berries from the tree, and remove the husks before eating or preserving the fruit. Store the berries in a cool, dry place for up to a few weeks, or freeze them for longer storage.

In conclusion, planting a lantern fruit tree is a great way to add a unique and tasty fruit to your garden or landscape. With the right location, soil preparation, and adequate care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious and nutritious berries for years to come.