Chinese Lanterns

Hi All. I planted some Chinese Lanterns, I think about 3-4 years ago. It was probably from a pack of seeds. However, the plants have come up every year but never flower or get fruit on them, which is the reason for having them - the lovely orange decorative fruit. They are in a fairly shady spot and don`t seem to have any disease visible. Any ideas?

 

I think after 3-4 yrs I may give up as they are usually very productive. I always grow mine in full sun in a pot with lots of watering and weekly tomato food. Having said that I buy little plants not seeds. This year mine are from a cutting and are just forming fruits. Maybe somebody else will have a better idea of the problem.

 

As @ThePlantAssassin I grow mine in a pot( being invasive) in a sunny spot and feed with tomato food, if you're not getting flowers I would assume it's not happy where it is. Why not take some cuttings this year and try them in another spot with more sunlight if you can or try them in pots.

 

I don`t have tomato feed at the moment. Maybe Growmore would help? I have to admit I don`t usually fertilise plants growing in the garden, just containers. I suppose I expect them to get on with it. I am a bit of a plant stuff and leave it to it`s own devices kind of gardener. Lesson learned. TY.

 

Must admit I thought the Chinese lanterns were a bit of a leave to their own devices kind of plant.
But they probably need sunshine.

 

Mine are in various pots too, some I have sunk into the ground. I do feed very occasionally but tend to forget a lot too. They're just coming into bloom now.