Growing Cape Gooseberry, also Golden Berry, Inca Berry

Physalis peruviana : Solanaceae / the nightshade family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S                  
        T              
        P              

(Best months for growing Cape Gooseberry in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 50°F and 77°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 39 - 59 inches apart
  • Harvest in 14-16 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Will happily grow in a flower border but tends to sprawl over other plants.

Your comments and tips

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06 Jan 16, Ruth Morgan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Gooseberry grew from seed no probs. When it grew quite big, was invaded by pests. Small bug laying so many larvae under leave.Also leaf curl, and plant dies back. We try not to spray but killed hundreds of larvae and small bugs.Could you advise what to do and the amount of water and sun> Many thanks Ruth Morgan
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17 Dec 15, Mick Dodd (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can i purchase a cape goosebery bush in Perth area ??
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03 Jan 16, Jess (Australia - temperate climate)
If you know anyone with a plant they are easy to grow from seeds or cuttings. Occasionally I see them at nurseries or even bunnings. Or apparently you can get them from The Lost Seed Company (though I haven't checked for WA restrictions). If you get stuck and if you're anywhere near Mosman Park I can give you a couple of little seedlings
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23 Jan 16, Sara (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Jess do you still have seedlings? I am growing my first ever gooseberry this year and it started off growing amazingly well. Very healthy, but I went on a holiday and when I came back it was overrun by red spider mites and is having really bad leaf curl now. Would be great to get hold of a couple of seedlings and give it a fresh start. Would be amazing if you could help me out. I live in Mosman too :)
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25 Nov 15, omari (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I have cape gooseberry seeds and seedlings ...if interested get back to me
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05 Feb 16, Mandrid Blignaut (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi Omari Do you still have gooseberry seedlings available? We're looking for a large number.
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30 Dec 15, bian kaighin (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hope I am not too late, f not I would like about 6 plants please. I live west Durban so please advise price including delivery
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14 Nov 15, David (USA - Zone 4b climate)
I remember these when a child living in South Africa. Living now in USA Maine zone 4b will they survive if I bring the inside for the winter? Really would like to grow some.
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07 Sep 15, sue (Australia - temperate climate)
Do you plant the whole berry or try to extract the tiny individual seeds within it?
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29 Sep 15, jan furniss (Australia - temperate climate)
take the seeds out of the pod.
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Showing 341 - 350 of 558 comments
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Search -- edible.co.nz Full sun Shelter from winds and tolerates moderate salty marine conditions. Are frost tender and grows as an annual in colder regions. In warmer areas they will grow for several seasons producing seedlings to continue the plants. Frosts can burn the plants but will recover unless the frost was hard. Prune back after all frosts have passed. Cape Gooseberries will grow in a wide range of soils and pHs. Soil must be well draining. Plants will handle periods of drought but too much moisture could encourage fungal problems. Plant in early spring as this will help with an earlier fruit set, space 0.5-1.5 apart. In most situations Cape Gooseberries do not need any fertiliser. Unneeded fertiliser could result in lots of vegetation and little fruit. Pinch out new shoots to encourage bushy growth. Prune back hard in spring to encourage new growth for fruiting. Pests Very few problems unless the soil is too wet and causes fungal problems and rot. ------------------------------------------- if you are going to fertilise only put small amounts on. A 9L water can with a tablespoon or two of fertiliser - with a low N% with some P and K. Don't use the tomato fertiliser - far too much N. A suggestion - a little manure or compost mixed into the soil - compost or mulch around the plants will help cool the soil down in summer - also you will save water by doing this. With your high temperatures I would suggest you make a shade cover for summer - in Australia we have shade cloth - 50-70-90%. Find some cheap wood off cuts and make a frame - then nail the shade cloth to it. Or some black poly pipe about 25mm thick and make an arc over the plants. By the article the plants should only grow to a meter or so high.

- Mike

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