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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
08 Oct 17, Dom (USA - Zone 6b climate)
Will the Golden Gooseberries grow in zone 6b in the USA?
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10 Oct 17, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
According to this site, sow seeds in April or May.
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09 Oct 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try spring and summer I read.
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09 Oct 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Check your climate against the ones listed here for Australia. Then look up the planting requirements etc for it here. I.E. A similar climate to yours might be sub tropical in Australia. Put sub tropical in the climate zone in the top section here and read up about it. Or try the internet for growing in the USA.
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19 Sep 17, Trish (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi All. We have a very healthy cape gooseberry plant. Heaps of flowers and fruit and thriving on neglect to a certain degree (thank goodness for drip systems). I am in Brisbane and we are now getting something burrowing into the fruit. Never had issues previously and can't seem to see any grubs. Any ideas or assistance on dealing with these would be helpful. Thanks.
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23 Sep 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try stuff for tomatoes. Look up organic sprays for tomatoes. Can only try.
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26 Sep 17, Trish (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Thanks Mike, will do.
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04 Sep 17, Carole - Brisbane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, I just purchased 2 Cape Gooseberry plants from Timbara Nursery at Thornlands, Brisbane. I have yet to plant them but hopefully they will go well.
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06 Sep 17, amy (Australia - arid climate)
Hi Carole, please tell me from where did you buy cape gooseberry plants.Regards
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07 Sep 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Did you read her comment. Read it again. A certain nursery in a suburb of Brisbane.
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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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