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

14 Jan 19, Renee Chettle (Australia - tropical climate)
Available at Daley’s nursery, does online orders
04 Jan 19, Gerd (USA - Zone 11a climate)
What to feed them,ph.Thank you.
10 Dec 18, |Lily (Australia - temperate climate)
just wondering if the plants need to be pruned or just let them spread out Thanks
13 Dec 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Maybe stake and support them and a light shaping of the bush.
16 Nov 18, Mehdi Malekmohammadi (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi, I am very keen to plant Physalis and wondering if someone guide me how to get the seeds and where to buy the plant of this herb?
19 Nov 18, Joanna Hingston (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hi, I have a large plant you are welcome to if you live locally. I'm in North Canterbury
14 Sep 19, Lisa (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I bought a some seedlings on trademe from a seller in Akaroa. They have been growing really well and arrived in great condition.
11 Dec 18, Mary Carshalton (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Joanna, I live in Woodend would love a piece of your cape goosberry. How can I find out your phone number?
18 Nov 18, Mike (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try to find some seed selling people/companies on the internet in NZ.
01 Nov 18, Nellie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Each morning I check for small yellow and black striped beetles and then squash them between gloved fingers. This year I did this and have been able to harvest a crop for jam making.
Showing 131 - 140 of 557 comments

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

- David Window

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.