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 T      
              P P      

(Best months for growing Cape Gooseberry in Australia - arid 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 10°C and 25°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 100 - 150 cm 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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26 May 10, David Window (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Would like to contact someone SE Qld, northern NSW who is growing commercially to purchase 15 - 20 kg of berries, still in the husk, per week while in season. Thanks David Window
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26 Apr 11, liz (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi David I expect to have some vines flowering very soon which means ripe fruit in the next couple of months. let me know if you still need supplier. Liz, Byron Bay
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21 Mar 14, Carlene Lillford (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi Liz I am also interested in growing gooseberries commercially on Mid North Coast NSW I have had some growing in the garden & doing well but would like more information on the possibility of growing them commercially. Can you help?
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Diane, I keep seeds from a lot of the common vegetables I grow like spinach, peas, carrots, beans, tomatoes, corn, and such, but I have never grown Cape Gooseberry and do not know what the days for germination are supposed to be, but as general rule I would keep the seeds and maybe start them in trays or pots a few weeks before it's time to transplant them outside. That way you will see how many sprout and then decide if you need to get other seeds. All the seeds I save usually have very good germination rates for a minimum of a couple of years, and I have been getting good results from a lot of the seeds I saved from three and four years ago.

- Dave in California Zone 10A

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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.
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