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

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14 Aug 13, Lizelle (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
By far the best seed supplier is Livingseeds.co.za. They send the seeds to wherever you are, give excellent advice and the best service around.
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08 May 13, Peter Combrink (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I took the seeds from a berry and planted it. Growing properly and lots of trees.
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01 Oct 12, natasja (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi Pieter, I don't know where you are from, but bought my gooseberry seeds from builders market in Bloemfontein, it is seeds from Mayford seed company I'm sure you will be able to buy them even from your local supermarket? Hope it helps! You can also google heirloom seed company in south africa they sell online!
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31 Aug 12, Melody (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Qld and you can often find the seeds you want on ebay or other seed selling sites. Be aware they cant always send to all states! Goodluck
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30 Aug 12, june rissman (Australia - temperate climate)
Could you give me any idea where I can buy gooseberry plants or seeds. Thankyou.
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18 Sep 12, Felicity (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi June, I bought my first gooseberry plant this year at Bunnings. I think it was about $4 Good luck :)
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08 Sep 12, June (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
HiJune, I have just bought a plant from my local Big W store, $9. 95.
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02 Sep 12, Fiona (Australia - temperate climate)
Diggers club have Cape Goosberry seeds - bought some on the weekend haven't planted them yet so hopefully they are not too hard to germinate.
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08 Jul 19, Kenneth Cross (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can anyone advise on the prevention of damage to the fruit by a fruit borer (tomato borer i think)?
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31 Aug 12, Kate (Australia - arid climate)
I got mine, as well as some Tomatillo seeds, from australianseed . com
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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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