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Quick Physalis Growing and Care Guide Common Names: Cape Gooseberry, Chinese Lanterns, Groundcherry, Winter cherry, Golden strawberry. Life Cycle: Hardy perennial. Height: 14 to 60 inches (35Ñ150 cm); some species as high as 10 feet (3 m). Native: All species are from the Americas with the exception of Physalis alkekengi, which is native from southern Europe through to Japan/East China. Growing Region: Zones 3 to 9. Flowers: Summer through early autumn. Flower Details: Inconspicuous. Yellow, white. Fruit: Orange. Small. Lantern-like papery red or orange husk. Foliage: Herbaceous. Tomato-like (both plants belong to the nightshade family). Sow Outside: Seeds: Surface. Spring or summer. Sow Inside: Germination time: 2 to 4 weeks in the light. Temperature: 70 to 75¡F (21Ñ24¡C). Start of spring. Spacing 10 to 36 inches (25Ñ90 cm). Requirements and care: Full sunlight or partial shade. Good drainage. Average soil. Regular watering. Cut stems back to the ground in autumn. Propagate: by at the start of spring. Miscellaneous: Great for use as a dried flower. Used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fever, sore throats, and coughs. Spreads from its root system so may become invasive; consider growing in a contained area. Seeds of Physalis alkekengi are traditionally used in Japan to offer guidance to spirits.