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

27 Oct 11, Bill (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Quite right - it just shows the importance of scientific species names rather than only relying in unspecific English names. The European gooseberry is Ribes uva-ursi and closely related to black currants (Ribes nigra). However it seems to be difficult to differentiate these two totally different plants even at the nursery that produces them, as the Physalis peruvianas sold at Bunnings some time ago had the correct information about the plant, but a picture of R. uva-ursi...
15 Aug 11, Renate (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can you grow gooseberrys from cuttings
14 Nov 11, Ken (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yes you can..Ref> Google search Cape gooseberry from cutting
01 Sep 11, Deb (Australia - tropical climate)
I brought a cape gooseberry plant from Big W in Nambour Sunshine Coast for $10.00.
03 Sep 11, paula (United Kingdom - cool/temperate climate)
I have chinese lantern growing my garden but they are bright red can these be eaten? are they the same as cape gooseberries. they look similar but are bright orange case
25 Oct 11, Tom newby (Australia - temperate climate)
Just seen your comment about sending some seeds if supplied with self addressed envelope. Are your seeds organic and could I try some as they sound great and I can only plant organic plants here. Go the Gooseberry's..
02 Nov 11, Ken (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Tom, Yes, they were supposed to be organic, That's all I can tell you, I can't guarantee it. I got mine from Eden Seeds. Try them or send me an envelope as mentioned. Chers Ken
31 Dec 11, Pat (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I am interested in growing golden berry/cape gooseberry. I live in Florida. Do you think they will grow in a tropical climate? Also, can I get seeds from you? (I live in the northwest part of Florida)
09 Jan 12, Canh (Australia - temperate climate)
Hey Pat.. I used to live in Tasmania. In Winter Tasmania's weather can get down to -3c or more. So when the frost comes the plant will atleast die back unless you cover the plant to protect it from the frost. If you don't have a greenhouse or big plastic bag or sheets it is best to cut/ prune the plant back to around 25cm above ground level, put some dry leaves around the base of the plant and then cover the plant in thick clear plastic until the frost/ cold season has passed. I used to do this every Autumn about 6 weeks before Winter. I take the cover off about 6 weeks into Spring. By then the frost should be gone and new shoots should be emerging from the plant. By mid Summer your plant should be covered in berries. Every few years I make new plants from cuttings to replace the parent plants.. Goodluck...
30 Nov 17, john (Australia - temperate climate)
hi canh im in launceston now just brought a plant so was happy to read what you had to do thanks mate
Showing 21 - 30 of 555 comments

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.

- David

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.