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

17 Dec 15, Mick Dodd (Australia - temperate climate)
Where can i purchase a cape goosebery bush in Perth area ??
03 Jan 16, Jess (Australia - temperate climate)
If you know anyone with a plant they are easy to grow from seeds or cuttings. Occasionally I see them at nurseries or even bunnings. Or apparently you can get them from The Lost Seed Company (though I haven't checked for WA restrictions). If you get stuck and if you're anywhere near Mosman Park I can give you a couple of little seedlings
23 Jan 16, Sara (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Jess do you still have seedlings? I am growing my first ever gooseberry this year and it started off growing amazingly well. Very healthy, but I went on a holiday and when I came back it was overrun by red spider mites and is having really bad leaf curl now. Would be great to get hold of a couple of seedlings and give it a fresh start. Would be amazing if you could help me out. I live in Mosman too :)
25 Nov 15, omari (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I have cape gooseberry seeds and seedlings ...if interested get back to me
05 Feb 16, Mandrid Blignaut (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi Omari Do you still have gooseberry seedlings available? We're looking for a large number.
30 Dec 15, bian kaighin (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Hope I am not too late, f not I would like about 6 plants please. I live west Durban so please advise price including delivery
14 Nov 15, David (USA - Zone 4b climate)
I remember these when a child living in South Africa. Living now in USA Maine zone 4b will they survive if I bring the inside for the winter? Really would like to grow some.
07 Sep 15, sue (Australia - temperate climate)
Do you plant the whole berry or try to extract the tiny individual seeds within it?
29 Sep 15, jan furniss (Australia - temperate climate)
take the seeds out of the pod.
06 Sep 15, 1st time veggie grower (Australia - temperate climate)
Do you cut/trim the cape gooseberry plant after fruiting and when is the best time to do this please? PS: My Dad's gooseberry jam is awesome.
Showing 341 - 350 of 557 comments

Can anyone tell me how and where I can get the Cape berries in the United states? Is it possible to buy the plant? Thanks, Jennifer

- Jennifer Sandler

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