Kitchen Garden Forum

Has anybody ever tried to grow Physalis philadelphica? I grew three plants from seeds. I don't know if it is necessary to pollinate it by hand. Do you use a paintbrush? What kind of paintbrush?

Thanks for answers.

Noisette

I had to google physalis philadelphica, as I thought I had never heard of it, let alone grown it. Then I find it's what I know as Physalis ixocarpa - Tomatillo. Now I feel able to answer:

It is very easy to grow and certainly does not need any help with pollination. Insects will do the job, though they need to cross-pollinate, so three plants should be fine if planted together.

It is not hardy, but is better grown outside. If grown under cover it tends to go mad - a friend of mine once tried growing one plant inside and it took over half a 6x8 greenhouse and then only produced masses of tiny fruits. It is also an expert self-seeder - any fruits that fall to the ground will germinate next year and give you a free, but rather late crop.

So put away the paintbrush

PS Don't remove any growth from the plant, sideshoots or top - let it find its own height and provide some support when necessary.

Thank you for the answer.
well, I didn't know that it must cross pollinate . So, I put it one in my polytunnel with tomatoes and the other two outside. The plant in the greenhouse has several flowers and the plants outside only begin to flower.
I think I will try to pollinate by hand and I hope it will make fruits.