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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14 Jan 23, Sherin Reilly (New Zealand - temperate climate)
My cape gooseberries are growing either outside the pod or the pod isn't fully formed. Is this a problem and can it be fixed. Thanknyou
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28 Feb 23, Stacey (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi just wondering if you found the cause of this as I am having the same issue Thanks
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03 Dec 22, Tammy r (USA - Zone 7b climate)
Can these be perennial in zone 7? If I keep them out all winter and will they grow back next spring? I hear they are perenial but not sure about growing them in my zone.
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31 Oct 22, Jo-Anne Rossouw (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate)
Planted seeds from Cape gooseberries which grew immediately. Now it looks like long spear zigzac on sides leaves and have clusters of red dots all over. What is that? Leaves are also turning redish on the ends. Is something wrong? Is it even gooseberries or am i pampering weeds?? Not sure about the red cluster of dots.
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09 Nov 22, Aleta Baron (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
This year I sowed mine in pots. Last summer was too cold. My thinking is it is too cold yet with the red on leaves. Sow in pots and you will know exactly.
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27 Oct 22, Fawn E Rosenberg (USA - Zone 6b climate)
I have 6-8 inch cape gooseberry plants in a pot, which were started from seed during the summer. I brought them inside since we are expecting our first frost tomorrow. What can I do to keep them thriving through our upcoming harsh winter? And how long until they will bear fruit? Thank you!
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30 Oct 22, Anonymous (USA - Zone 6b climate)
They are a spring summer crop - not something you grow through winter.
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01 Oct 22, Sue (Australia - temperate climate)
My gooseberries have been growing in a pot since autumn and have fruited now. Can I transplant them now in spring or should I wait for cooler weather?
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03 Oct 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Should be ok - just keep all the soil around the roots.
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15 Aug 22, Anna (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
In Sydney my cape gooseberries got black when they were grumpy about inconsistent watering, esp if the weather was very hot.
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Showing 11 - 20 of 556 comments
See comments for all plants

Clay soil is a massive topic, I suggest you read a few articles - here is a very positive one: https://www.provenwinners.com/learn/dirt-dirt-clay -- like the article states your soil is probably loaded with nutrition, water is the real issue; the way clay soil gets water logged and heavy. The standard rule of thumb with clay soil is: load it up with organic matter (manure, leaves, kitchen compost, etc.). You can just LAYER these on the soil. Additionally, choosing plants that tolerate/like clay soil -- I think the hardy kiwi can tolerate this soil as well as American Persimmon, osage oranges and lots of other plants. They have online plant finders that can help you isolate which plants have the highest probability of success. One thing I did notice when working with heavy clay soils was that plants take a lot longer to establish and grow. I suspect I wouldn't make the effort to plant anything other than plants that are specifically listed as clay tolerant -- you have to go right down to the type of plant: for example: OSAGE oranges not just any oranges .... but maybe all oranges can tolerate clay... you need to check by the type.

- Celeste Archer

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