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
                  P P P

(Best months for growing Cape Gooseberry in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • 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

15 Apr 23, Annabelle (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have grown tomatillos for several years -they usually grow from self seeding. This season, very strangely a whole lot of seedlings self grew but they have turned into what looks like Cape gooseberries - which I have never grown in my garden at all.. they have the cases and are yellow and small. I am very confused.( I also am harvesting tomatillos at the moment from self seeded plants. Definitely different plants.) Is there some sort of regressive hybrid or genetic weirdness going on here?
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
30 Oct 22, Anonymous (USA - Zone 6b climate)
They are a spring summer crop - not something you grow through winter.
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?
03 Oct 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Should be ok - just keep all the soil around the roots.
Showing 11 - 20 of 557 comments

I'd like to buy inca berry/ cape gooseberry plants or seeds. Does anyone have some for sale? In Gippsland. TIA

- Annie

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