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Physalis alkagengi
Stawberry Groundcherry, Winter Cherry
  • Hardy to Zone 3
  • Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Germination Tested Not tested
  • Approximately 40 seeds per packet
Regular price $6.95 CAD
Regular price Sale price $6.95 CAD
Sale Sold out

Chinese lanterns are the most cold hardy ground cherry species I know of, and this variety is delicious and non-bitter when ripe. Plants are easy to grow and will form a clump over time, growing about 2 feet tall. They make attractive bright orange lanterns that contain tasty bright red fruits inside. When underripe the berries can have a mild bitter flavour on the outside (saponins?) but that disappears as they ripen. 

I am not sure what variety this is, but it's excellent for eating fresh. It's sweet and tart with a fruity flavour. I imagine they would be excellent in salsa, or used as a garnish on desserts. 

The lanterns also make fun everlasting bouquets and decorations.

Growing Instructions

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or even earlier if you can. In southwest BC, I aim to start these indoors in Jan or Feb. Seeds benefit from bottom heat when germinating, and can take several weeks to sprout. Treat as you would tomatoes. Always grow at least two plants for cross pollination. Plants grow low and sprawling. Harvest fruits in fall when fruit is plump and bright red. Keep the soil lean (not too much compost/nitrogen) to limit leafy grown and promote more fruits.

Shipping & Returns

By placing an order, customers agree to the shipping & refund policies detailed on this page.

Most orders are sent via Canada Post to keep costs low.

 

Shipping within Canada 

We ship seeds in Canada via Canada Post's regular letter mail, which is an untracked service, and usually takes 1-4 weeks to arrive once we fulfill your order, but occasionally letter mail takes up to 6 weeks, especially to the Eastern provinces and rural areas.

Customers can now opt for tracked, express shipping options at checkout if you require faster delivery and/or tracking.

Larger bulbs and plants are usually sent via tracked flat rate box.

 

Shipping to the US

UPDATE FEB 2, 2026: WE ARE TAKING A BREAK ON ACCEPTING US ORDERS DUE TO ISSUES WITH USPS

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Shipping Internationally

International customers can select tracked or untracked shipping at checkout. The package will list the contents as "Garden Seeds". It is your responsibility to ensure you have the required import permit. We are not able to send any live plant materials internationally. Cicada Seeds will not be responsible for any orders held or confiscated by customs, or for any additional duties or tariffs placed on your order.

International shipping countries include: Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom. (List updated Aug 31, 2026)

This list may change without notice. Sometimes Canada Post will not allow us to ship to certain countries due to wars or natural disasters, see this page for delivery service alerts.

 

Refund Policy

Refunds: We stand behind our seeds, so if for some reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, please reach out to us via email and we will do our best to make it right. Please note that shipping costs are non-refundable. 

Cancelled orders: If you wish to cancel an order after purchasing, we may refund your order minus card processing and admin fees at our discretion. We do not accept returns on seeds or plants.

Refused orders: We cannot issue a refund if you refuse to accept or do not claim an order we've mailed to you, or made available for local pickup. 

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Ecologically Grown

Seeds are grown ecologically without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers.

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