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

12 Aug 22, (Canada - Zone 7a Mild Temperate climate)
I don’t have a papery husk but green and brown serrated ‘things’ after flowering. When I open the brown ones they look like seed pods. What to do?
05 Aug 22, Marijke Warners (Canada - Zone 6b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
Some of the flowers have turned into green spiky husks, then turned a dark brown/black. Is this normal?
23 Jul 22, Merina Bjordin (Canada - Zone 3b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
I planted them last year in a pot - did not know for sure what they were, but brought them in and kept them alive (barely) all winter. This spring, thinking the plant was mostly dead, I put it out in late May. Now in mid July and after a very rainy June, it is thriving- the plant is quite ugly so it’s been at the back of the house, but now that I know what it is, I’ll put it in a sunny spot out front. I’m hoping for berries.
16 Jul 22, Dave (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Carol. Sorry to say in my experience possums can do that and if they don't rats will. Where we live I have mine planted in a hut made of chicken wire and stops all those problems. I think you'll have to protect yours better as well
07 Aug 22, Adrie (Australia - temperate climate)
We’re in regional Victoria and I have a cape gooseberry between a couple of roses. Nothing eats it. Not possums, rats, snails… It’s still flowering & fruiting prolifically in midwinter which I think is very odd. We had lots self down in a flower garden as a child and they fruited mid to late summer.
02 Jul 22, Carol (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
We had a lovely Cape gooseberry plant growing in a pot and doing really well. Something over a week at nights has proceeded to demolish it first just the leaves then the unripe fruit then last night it has broken the whole plant and destroyed it...can you tell me if it would be possums or a rabbit maybe?
05 May 22, Mati (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello. I need a few information regarding something I have no knowledge. I've been asked to write a report on Cape Gooseberries (golden berries) and regular Gooseberry plant, how they differ from each other, and whether or not they're compatible with each other; as in if these two plants can be grown side by side. Now as I have zero idea on gardening, I'm having to fully rely on the internet. I've found most of what I need to know. Except for if these two plants can be grown in close proximity in a garden. Can someone kindly provide me with a detailed answer to this?
06 May 22, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Both gooseberries and ground cherries are very unique and distinctive fruits. Due to their different needs, they usually won’t be found together on the same plantation or state.(I don't know what the differences are but could be climate, temperatures etc). Taken from - https://foodiosity.com/gooseberries-vs-ground-cherries/
10 Feb 22, B Welch (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I plant the public road fences of my farm with various edibles. Our Cape Gooseberrys are dropping fruit on the ground, some of which I assume will grow. I intend to drill holes about 3m apart, 150mm deep, just to loosen the clay, then push a whole fruit in, and cover with 10mm of clay, hide it from birds etc. I know that sounds rough, but it's a lot of planting, so I'd like to keep it simple. what are my chances? What extra must I do? Slow release fert? Thanks B.
06 Mar 23, Kiwi Permaculture Beginner (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Just wondering if you tried your drill method for planting up your fences with cape gooseberry (or anything else for that matter) & what your results have been like?
Showing 21 - 30 of 555 comments

Hi John, Thanks for all that info on cape gooseberries. I am amazed at how well the one plant I have grows so well but have been wondering how to support it. I will put in stakes and ropes as you suggest and apply potassium and phosphorus . I am about to establish at least two more from suckers. What an excellent berry to have fresh through the winter months! I will then, when all are fruiting, experiment with preserving. I hope I can find other fruit and vegies that grow so well here.

- Janet

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