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

07 Oct 19, anon (Australia - temperate climate)
The purpose of this website is really to advise. You found your climate zone and the plant you want to grow. The information is all there at the top of the page with comments on growing it. PLANT AUG TO DEC. The seeds are old and may not germinate. Seeds only last so long if not properly stored. Germination % drops. Read about it on the net.
03 Oct 19, John D. Salcd (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Starting from seed indoors, transplanted outdoors and had done well with a small crop of delicious berries. With cold weather approaching, can I dig up the plant and repot for indoor "wintering over" or will it survive the harsh winters experienced in this part of the U.S. Your earliest reply would be most welcome. Thank you. J. Salce
16 Sep 19, Lesleigh (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I've recently planted my 1st gooseberry bush. It has tripled in size & given heaps of cape pods. But they seem small & drop off. I tasted one that had a tinge of orange it was lovely but most are green inside still. Its in a great sunny position. Am I overwatering it or being 1st crop should I pull them all off to allow for a better crop next time round when plant is big. Would love some advise. Never grown them before but just love the Jam. From Redlands in QLD. Thanks
18 Sep 19, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
Temperate zone it does say plant AUG onwards - maybe you planted a bit early. Remember little plants little watering often. As they become bigger more water less often. Mature plants 2-3 good waterings per week - more if very hot.
10 Sep 19, Jerry Michael Eisenband (USA - Zone 10a climate)
Can I grow them in West Palm Beach, FL?
06 Sep 19, promila relan (Canada - Zone 4b Temperate Warm Summer climate)
I had written before but did not get a response. My cape berry plant were started from seed of a gooseberry bought in Farmers's market. They spent winter inside. Planted in early flowers and are forming fruit. Winter is approaching fast. Now my concern is how to protect them well so that these plants survive . Are there any special instructions.. I did feed it with 10-10-10. Now worried about winter. Please help.Thanks
18 Aug 23, Richard (Canada - Zone 6a Temperate Warm Summer climate)
You said you started a plant from a gooseberry seed. Gooseberry and Cape Gooseberry are different plants. The fruit of a Cape Gooseberry (aka Incaberry) resembles a small Chinese Lantern fruit. So, if it is a gooseberry you have, I would say it will survive the winter. Cape Gooseberry probably not. I'm wrestling with over-wintering in 6a.
26 Jul 19, Ellie Hallett (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello, Because birds can spread plants so easily, would a glasshouse be a good idea to prevent this. I live in Toowoomba. If so, do you have any recommendations for glass, cloth, or other sorts of greenhouse for a domestic garden? Local possums could also be a problem for uncovered berries. Thank you kindly, Ellie
29 Jul 19, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I suggest you do some costing and work from there. Do you spend hundreds of dollars to grow a few plants.
22 Jul 19, Anna Read (Australia - temperate climate)
I have successfully planted a cape gooseberry in my front garden. So far; so good. My questions are - should it be pruned back? Does it need a frame to climb on?
Showing 111 - 120 of 557 comments

Is it little too late now to only have a few developing fruit? I've read that fruit takes 60 days to mature on the plant.

- George

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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. GardenGrow 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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