General information about physalis, as well as recommendations for growing and care

Did you know that the closest relative of the physalis is a tomato? Imagine - this is so. The plant comes from Central America, but grows it in its southern part. In the wild, it occurs even in the steppes of Ukraine and Russia. Enterprising Mexicans even cook from a flower dishes like jam, jams, sweets and other delicacies. In addition, the physalis is distinguished among other plants by its unique structure, the flower of the plant is as if made of dry paper. Thus, he attracts many florists who ask themselves: how to grow physalis?

Cultivation and planting of the physalis

Plant the flower through the seedlings, sow cassettes usually in the month of March. The required age of seedlings should be at least 40 days. In the spring, when more or less warm weather is established (usually this is April), growing seedlings can be taken out to the street, thus adapting the physalis to our climate. At the end of spring (the last day of May) seedlings can be planted under film shelters. And landing should occur at a slight slope. Try to do so that the top layers of the soil are not too wet, since the plant does not like it. When growing, make sure that the temperature in the room does not exceed twenty degrees, otherwise the seedlings may die.

Care for physalis

To water a flower it is necessary two-three times a week and to do it so that the soil is well impregnated with water. Do not forget about the fact that the plant belongs to the category of vegetables, and therefore fertilizing should be carried out with the help of fertilizers for vegetable plants.

The fruits of the physalis are in original cases of dark yellow or orange, and their collection must be done before the first frost. Some "berries" may crumble, but this does not affect the quality, boldly gather them from the ground. The same of the fruits that did not have time to ripen, you still need to collect before the onset of cold weather. They will mature a little later, for this, bring them into a warm room.

Berries physalis have a pleasant taste, but some complain about the bitterness. So do not forget to wash off the stickiness with warm water. It is worth remembering that the washing of the fetus must be done immediately before eating it, or before cooking the same jam. If you rinse earlier, it can deteriorate. Without washing, the shelf life is four months, provided that the temperature regime is 4 degrees Celsius.

Diseases of the face

Among the most common diseases can be identified aphids, stem rot, late blight and mosaic.

• As for aphids, everything is very clear. The plant should be periodically sprayed with chemistry, this will protect it from the bear, aphids and wireworm.
• The stem rot is manifested if you have been systematically overdone with the irrigation for a certain time. The soil becomes too wet, and as it was said above, physalis does not like it. Simply reduce the intensity and amount of water when watering.
• Late blight occurs during the ripening period. If you notice signs of the disease, make sure that all the infected parts of the plant have been removed.
• And, finally, a mosaic. It manifests itself only when the owners forget about the need to apply to their plants the concept of "crop rotation". Alternate the areas on which you grow the vegetable at least once every four years.

Physalis is one of the most unique creatures, among all plants. It consists in amazing metamorphosis. A person who is not familiar with it will necessarily take him for a beautiful flower, worthy of being in a bouquet. Experienced farmers - for a healthy vegetable, and a good housewife will imagine a delicious jam from his fruit. Cultivate it correctly, and it will please you all year round!

Read more:

• Useful properties and application of physalis