Physalis planting dates for 2020 according to the lunar calendar and growing tips

Physalis is a shrubby plant in the Solanaceae genus, most of whose varieties are considered perennials. Some species are edible, so they are grown throughout Russia. Planting times vary depending on the regional climate and variety. However, when to plant physalis seedlings in 2020 is determined by the lunar calendar and weather forecast. Preparing the seeds and ensuring healthy planting material on time is also essential. Choosing the right days for physalis planting will reduce the risk of problems.

Planting dates

Calculating planting days for physalis depends on various factors, the most important of which are the variety, the intended use, and the climate zone. To successfully grow seedlings, it's also necessary to consider lunar phases. When sowing seeds in individual seedling containers, the time until planting in open ground will roughly correspond to the time indicated on the packaging. However, if using shared containers and then transplanting, the young physalis seedlings will take 1-2 weeks longer to develop.

According to the lunar calendar

The gardening calendar doesn't specifically mention physalis. However, it's important to note that this crop is closely related to tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Therefore, according to the lunar calendar, physalis seedlings can be planted on similar dates in 2020. By following these dates, the chances of rapid germination and the maximum number of seedlings are increased.

The importance of the lunar calendar when growing nightshades is explained by the changing gravitational influence of the Earth's satellite. On favorable dates, the change in sap flow leads to accelerated plant growth and reduces the risk of disease. In particular, it is recommended to pay special attention to the position of the moon relative to the constellations. If you are unsure of success, it is best to postpone planting physalis seeds.

By varietal characteristics

Depending on your growing needs, you can choose different varieties of nightshade—both ornamental and edible. The fruits that form in the capsules of non-food plants are quite toxic and can cause serious poisoning. A single berry is harmless to an adult, but it can cause severe vomiting in a child. Edible varieties of physalis It's safer to grow on a plot. Planting times for different types of crops:

1. Ornamental physalis can be safely sown outdoors, as the plant is considered frost-resistant. However, it can also be sown for seedlings to accelerate development in late May or early June or until the second ten days of October in autumn.
2. Tomato seeds (Mexican tomato) are sown for seedlings starting in mid-April. However, this depends on the region's climate and general weather conditions. In the southern part of the country, preparations can begin earlier, while in the northern part, greenhouses are recommended.
3. It's recommended to plant strawberry physalis seedlings from the second half of March to mid-April. This period is suitable for central Russia, but adapting the planting to other climate regions requires additional calculations.
4. The Peruvian physalis is considered a dessert variety. To ensure healthy seedlings and timely harvest, it's recommended to begin planting as early as the first ten days of February. It's best to plant the seeds directly into individual peat containers.

According to the climate of the region

Planting physalis seedlings is recommended for regions of central Russia (Kostroma, Orel, Moscow region) and colder climates (the Urals and Siberia). The goal is to slow down the initial development and reduce the time from sowing seeds to fruit ripening. This procedure is not required for ornamental varieties, but it is especially important for obtaining a harvest of edible fruit. Depending on the region, the dates for sowing seedlings are determined by the following parameters:

1. Southern regions. It's best to sow seeds starting in mid-February for mid- and late-ripening varieties. It takes about 50 days from seedling formation to the development of a full-fledged young plant. Early-ripening varieties can be sown for seedlings starting in mid-March.
2. For central Russia, the best sowing date is mid-March. Long-season and late-ripening varieties are not recommended for planting due to early cold snaps, with the risk of low temperatures as early as August. Such plants can be grown in a greenhouse and sown in late February.
3. In colder regions of Russia, it is recommended to choose varieties with a short growing season—less than 100 days. The normal time for sowing seeds for seedlings in such climates is no earlier than the third ten-day period of April. Planting outdoors can begin in May, provided there is no recurring frost forecast.

When growing physalis in a greenhouse, seeds can be sown for seedlings starting in late winter. However, young plants should not be kept in seedling containers for too long, as they weaken and may not survive transplantation. Common physalis varieties suitable for all growing regions include Lakomka, Ananasovy, Kolokolchik, Kudesnik, and Zolotaya Rossyp.

Growing recommendations

Before sowing physalis seeds, they should be pre-disinfected in a weak potassium permanganate solution. To do this, soak the bag of seeds in the solution for 30 minutes and then rinse with clean water. To speed up the emergence of the first seedlings, you can treat the seeds with rooting stimulants. You can mix your own sowing soil from the following ingredients:

• sifted river sand – 1 part;
• rotted compost – 2 parts;
• bottom peat – 2 parts;
• garden soil – 2 parts.

When preparing the mixture yourself, be sure to sterilize it in the oven, with a potassium permanganate solution, or in the microwave. After filling the seedling containers with soil, spread the small seeds evenly over the surface, cover with a 1 cm layer of soil mixture, compact them, and cover with plastic wrap. Place them in a room with a temperature of at least 18ºC.

Care before planting in open ground

Until the first seedlings emerge, be sure to regularly open the containers for ventilation and lightly moisten the soil mixture. Once the cotyledons emerge from the soil, ensure water retention. When growing in a shared seedling container, transplant the young physalis shoots after 3-4 true leaves have formed, separating the plants into individual containers.

1. Each cup is filled to the middle with a soil mixture of the same composition as in the container.
2. The plants are removed from the common container along with the root ball and transferred to new containers.
3. Fill the empty space in the new seedling pots with the remaining soil and water.

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Physalis seedlings can be fed with nitroammophoska, added to the irrigation water at a rate of 1 tablespoon for every 5 liters. Containers with newly transplanted plants should be placed in a room where the temperature is maintained between 15ºC and 20ºC. After the seedlings have fully adapted, they can be fertilized with "Rastvorin" and "Agricola."

Planting seedlings on the plot

40-50 days after hatching, the physalis plants will have formed 6 to 8 true leaves. These plants can now be transplanted into open soil. However, it's essential to harden them off first: take the containers outside for 5-7 days and then leave them in a shaded area. Start the process for 1 hour, gradually increasing the time to 12 hours.

Favorable air temperatures for planting physalis seedlings in an uncovered area should be between 20-22ºC. During this period, the soil warms up to 5ºC or higher. The seedlings should be planted deep in pre-watered holes, reaching the lower leaves. The planting pattern should be staggered, with a minimum interval of 0.5 m.

Aftercare

After planting young physalis bushes outdoors, care consists of weeding, timely watering, and fertilizing. Watering is needed once a week, and in dry and hot weather, double the frequency. Regular watering is essential until mid-August, after which, to stimulate ovary formation and fruit ripening, reduce the amount of water. Loosen the soil after watering to prevent a crust from forming on the surface. Fertilize the plants once every 10-15 days, alternating mineral supplements with organic matter.

Physalis fruit ripening is uneven and begins only 100 days after seedling emergence. The first berries, with a distinct aroma, are picked from the lower branches, gradually moving upward. Ripeness is determined by the condition of the fruit itself and its outer skin: the dry skin gradually loses its color, and the berry's color (yellow or orange) deepens.

Common mistakes when growing physalis

Physalis is considered an easy-to-grow plant. Soil preparation is not necessary for transplanting seedlings. However, improper cultivation practices and pre-planting preparation standards can lead to various problems. To ensure normal growth and protection from pests and other negative factors, preventative measures are essential. A common problem is yellowing and leaf drop, accompanied by the appearance of unidentified spots, which can be caused by the following:

1. Poor soil and insufficient nutrients. To remedy this, fertilize the area where the physalis is grown.
2. At high planting densities, plants may not have enough light and freedom to develop stems and leaves.
3. Yellow spots on leaves with a characteristic pattern are caused by a fungal infection called mosaic.
4. The appearance of traces of brown color on leaf blades often indicates the onset of alternaria.

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Physalis is an easy-to-grow crop that can be grown for its delicious fruit. However, when choosing edible varieties, it's important to consider your regional location and prepare seedlings in a timely manner. To ensure successful sowing of physalis seeds for seedlings, experienced gardeners and horticulturists recommend consulting the 2020 lunar phase calendar for nightshades.