Sementeira
Can be done in the final location or in a tray with subsequent transplanting 6 to 8 weeks later, when the plants are about 10 cm tall. It can be planted in rows, with spacing of 45 to 90 cm between plants and 90 cm between rows.
A robust and generous shrub, capable of reaching 180 cm and filling the garden with golden lanterns in autumn.
About the variety. Physalis produces small, round fruits of an intense yellow-orange colour, each enclosed in its decorative husk. Sensitive to frost, it prefers sheltered, sunny spots.
Itinerário técnico
Um guia de cultivo passo a passo, da sementeira à colheita.
Can be done in the final location or in a tray with subsequent transplanting 6 to 8 weeks later, when the plants are about 10 cm tall. It can be planted in rows, with spacing of 45 to 90 cm between plants and 90 cm between rows.
The crop prefers sandy, well-drained, fertile soils, with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0.
Grows best in warm climates, as it is a cold-sensitive crop requiring minimum temperatures above 16°C, ideally between 25°C and 32°C. Should be planted in locations with good sun exposure.
Some compost can be incorporated as a base fertilizer, as this crop has specific phosphorus requirements.
Although this crop becomes more resistant to water shortage as its cycle progresses, irrigation is recommended, always taking into account the soil moisture level, which should remain consistently moist but never waterlogged. Drip irrigation is therefore a good solution.
Mulching with organic materials or plastic is a good option for the crop, helping to prevent competition between weeds and the crop (especially during the first few weeks). Plastic also has the advantage of helping to retain moisture in the soil.
Cutworms and nematodes are pests of this crop. To control cutworms, avoid using fresh manure, apply bait with bran + molasses + Bacillus thuringiensis on the soil near the crop, use Bacillus thuringiensis as a spray, employ biological control with Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes and, if necessary, spray with azadirachtin. To control nematodes, crop rotations, biofumigation and soil solarization should be carried out.
With proper crop rotations, wide plant spacing, removal of diseased plants, avoiding excess vigor and avoiding water on the plants, these measures are normally sufficient to keep the crop free from disease outbreaks.
With adequate relative humidity and temperature conditions (cool and humid environments), the fruits can be stored for over 3 weeks.