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Nicandra physalodes - Apple of Peru

Nicandra physalodes
Apple of Peru, Shoo-fly plant, Peruvian groundcherry

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More information

A perennial frost-tender plant native to South America, grown as an annual in our climate. While its fruits resemble those of the physalis, this plant is highly toxic but possesses beautiful ornamental qualities, with blue campanulate flowers and notably the ability to repel whitefly, cabbage fly, and carrot fly in the vegetable garden or greenhouse. Easy to grow in full sun in ordinary, cool soil. Sowing under cover or directly in the ground.
Flower size
2 cm
Height at maturity
1 m
Exposure
Sun
Annual / Perennial
Annual
Germination time (days)
21 days
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Sowing period March to April
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Flowering time June to September
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Description

The Nicandra physalodes, (sometimes misspelled physaloides) is commonly known as False Cape Gooseberry or Peruvian Ground Cherry for its proximity to the physalis. It is a non-hardy perennial plant grown as an annual with rapid growth in our climates. In summer, it produces ephemeral, campanulate blue flowers with white hearts, followed by lantern-shaped fruits in capsules. Invasive and toxic, with foliage that emits an unpleasant odour, its strengths lie in its ornamental qualities and its ability to repel whiteflies, cabbage flies, and carrot flies in the vegetable garden or greenhouse. This plant is easily grown in open ground or in a pot, and its flowers also beautifully adorn flowerbeds.

The Nicandra physalodes is a non-hardy perennial plant of the Solanaceae family, originating from South America, specifically Peru. It has more or less naturalized in many regions, where it is considered invasive. Its rapid growth allows it to be grown as an annual in our climates. This plant has an upright, bushy, and ramified habit, reaching up to 1 m in all directions, with angular, hollow stems. Its alternate, mid-green leaves are glabrous and deciduous, ovate and pointed, petiolate, with irregularly dentate margins and a slightly puckered texture. The undersides of the leaves are veined. The flowers, short-lived, appear from June to October depending on the climate. They are campanulate, hermaphroditic, and nectariferous, closing at the end of the day. The subsequent fruits are enclosed in large bracts, forming swollen lantern-shaped capsules, reminiscent of the physalis.

The Nicandra physalodes, also known as False Cape Gooseberry, Blue Poc-poc, Big Poc-poc, or Blue Flower Poc-poc, can be planted at the back of a sunny flowerbed for its beautiful summer flowering. It is valued for its repellent qualities in the vegetable garden and greenhouse, where it grows rapidly. It is however essential to control its invasive tendencies. Not demanding in terms of growing conditions, in well-drained ordinary soil that remains fresh, it also thrives in a pot and enjoys summer warmth. It can be sown under cover or directly in open ground.

Attention: Nicandra, Datura, and Deadly Nightshade belong to the same family and are all highly toxic plants. It is imperative not to consume their seeds or foliage.

Flowering

Flower colour blue
Flowering time June to September
Inflorescence Solitary
Flower size 2 cm
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1 m
Spread at maturity 1 m
Growth rate fast

Botanical data

Genus

Nicandra

Species

physalodes

Family

Solanaceae

Other common names

Apple of Peru, Shoo-fly plant, Peruvian groundcherry

Botanical synonyms

Pentagonia physalodes, Atropa physalodes

Origin

South America

Product reference22815

Planting and care

Sowing:

Sow the seeds of Nicandra physalodes from March to April under cover at a temperature of 15°C, on the surface of good quality soil and lightly cover the seeds with vermiculite. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and do not exclude light. Place in a propagator or enclose the seed tray inside a polyethylene bag until germination, which usually takes up to 21 days. When the young plants are large enough to handle, transplant them and grow them at a minimum temperature of 15°C until they reach a height of 20cm. Once all risk of frost is gone, plant in any well-drained soil in full sun or in a greenhouse.

It is also possible to sow directly outdoors in late April to early May, avoiding frost.

Cultivation:

The soil for Nicandra physalodes can be ordinary to rich, remaining moist. The growth can be significant; space the plants one metre apart in all directions, and place stakes near each plant. To achieve a beautiful bush, water it regularly.


16
€14.50 Each

Sowing period

Sowing period March to April
Germination time (days) 21 days

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Border, Container, Vegetable garden, Greenhouse
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Moist soil, Drainant

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