Plant Description:
Physalis subulata Rydb. var. neomexicana (Rydb.) Waterfall ex Kartesz & Gandhi, commonly known as the New Mexico groundcherry, is a native perennial herb belonging to the Solanaceae family. It grows about 8-12 inches tall and spreads up to 1-2 feet wide.
Plant Appearance:
The plant has an upright growth habit with multiple branches that produce nodding, lantern-like fruits. The fruits are oval, yellow-green, and about the size of a marble enclosed within a papery calyx. The leaves are ovate or elliptic, hairy, and about 2-6 cm long.
Plant Origin:
Physalis subulata Rydb. var. neomexicana is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is found in the grasslands, woodlands, meadows, and disturbed areas of New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and Colorado.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as New Mexico groundcherry, New Mexico wild groundcherry, smooth groundcherry, or desert groundcherry.
Plant Uses:
Physalis subulata Rydb. var. neomexicana has been traditionally used by the native tribes of the Southwest for medicinal and culinary purposes. The fruits are sweet and edible and can be eaten raw or cooked in pies, jams, and sauces. The plant also has medicinal properties and is used to treat inflammation, fever, cough, and urinary problems.
Light Requirements
Physalis subulata Rydb. var. neomexicana (Rydb.) Waterfall ex Kartesz & Gandhi thrives in areas with moderate to high levels of sunlight. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to promote optimum growth. However, the plant can also thrive in shaded areas with dappled sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Physalis subulata Rydb. var. neomexicana (Rydb.) Waterfall ex Kartesz & Gandhi growth is between 60 - 80°F. The plant can tolerate temperatures up to 90°F during the day, as long as sufficient moisture is available. However, it cannot withstand frost or freezing temperatures and will require protection during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Physalis subulata Rydb. var. neomexicana (Rydb.) Waterfall ex Kartesz & Gandhi prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic, ranging from 6.0 to 6.8. It can tolerate dry soils but will thrive in moist soils. The plant can tolerate drought conditions, but regular watering is necessary for optimum growth. It is advisable to add compost or organic matter to the soil before planting to maintain soil moisture and nutrients.
Cultivation Methods
Physalis subulata Rydb. var. neomexicana (Rydb.) Waterfall ex Kartesz & Gandhi is a hardy plant that grows well in well-drained soil and a slightly acidic pH level. It prefers full sunlight but can tolerate some levels of shade. The ideal temperature range for its growth is 65-80 °F (18-27 °C).
Propagation is done through seeds or stem cuttings. Seedlings should be grown indoors for 4-6 weeks before transplanting them outside. It is recommended to plant them at a distance of 1-2 feet apart to allow sufficient room for their growth.
Watering Needs
The Physalis subulata Rydb. var. neomexicana (Rydb.) Waterfall ex Kartesz & Gandhi plant prefers to be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. It is best to water the plant regularly in small amounts, rather than infrequently with large amounts of water. During hot summer months, it may require watering twice a week, while in winters, watering once a week may suffice. It is recommended to water the plant at the base rather than sprinkling water over the leaves.
Fertilization
The plant can be fertilized every 2-3 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 mix. It is essential to avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can lead to excessive growth and weak stems.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for the health and growth of the plant. Pruning can be done in early spring or late fall. The plant should be deadheaded regularly, which means removing the spent flowers from the plant. This allows the plant to direct its energy towards new growth. Cut back the plant by about half its height every year in early spring to promote fuller and healthier growth. It is essential to sterilize pruning tools before and after use to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Physalis subulata Rydb. var. neomexicana (Rydb.) Waterfall ex Kartesz & Gandhi
There are several methods for propagating the Physalis subulata Rydb. var. neomexicana (Rydb.) Waterfall ex Kartesz & Gandhi plant. These include:
Propagation by seed
The most common and easiest way to propagate this plant is through seed. Collect seeds from mature fruits and sow them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and warm until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown enough, transplant them into their permanent locations.
Propagation by stem cuttings
The Physalis subulata Rydb. var. neomexicana (Rydb.) Waterfall ex Kartesz & Gandhi plant can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Take softwood cuttings in spring or hardwood cuttings in the fall. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and warm until the cuttings establish roots. Once established, transplant them into their permanent locations.
Propagation by division
The plant can also be propagated by division. This method involves dividing the root mass into smaller sections and planting them separately. Spring is the best time for division, but it can be done in early fall as well. Place the divided sections in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist until they establish roots.
Propagation by layering
Propagation by layering is another method for the Physalis subulata Rydb. var. neomexicana (Rydb.) Waterfall ex Kartesz & Gandhi plant. Layering involves bending a lower branch to the ground and burying it partially in the soil. The buried portion will develop roots, while the remaining part of the branch will continue to grow. Once roots have formed, cut the layer from the main plant and transplant it into its permanent location.
Disease Management
Physalis subulata Rydb. var. neomexicana (Rydb.) Waterfall ex Kartesz & Gandhi can be susceptible to various diseases, including:
Early Blight
Early blight is caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. The disease is characterized by small, brown spots with concentric rings that form on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. To manage early blight, remove all infected plant parts and avoid overhead irrigation. Fungicides containing chlorothalonil can be applied to prevent the spread of the disease.
Gray Mold
Gray mold is caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea. It appears as a grayish-brown mold on the leaves and flowers of the plant. To manage gray mold, remove the infected plant parts and improve air circulation around the plant. Fungicides containing captan or thiophanate-methyl can be applied to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Physalis subulata Rydb. var. neomexicana (Rydb.) Waterfall ex Kartesz & Gandhi can also be susceptible to various pests, including:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant. They can cause distortion and stunted growth in the plant. To manage aphids, remove them by hand, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introducing ladybugs to the garden can also help control aphid populations.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, arachnid-like invertebrates that can cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves. To manage spider mites, improve the humidity around the plant by misting it regularly. Also, remove any infested leaves and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population.
