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 Jan 22, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Try looking at night time.
07 Feb 22, Vivian Robert Cutler (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
same here....white spot on leaves
03 Sep 21, TT (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Where do i find a plant or seeds to start?
07 Sep 21, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Internet seed selling companies.
25 Jan 21, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I sow seeds in November last year which was bought from Bunnings and they are still very tiny plants around 15cm height. Not sure what's wrong or do I just need to be patience?
27 Jan 21, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I think you have very poor soil. Or it is very hot temperature. Try again early autumn.
29 Jun 20, Paul (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Can a Cape Gooseberry be grown in a Hanging Basket situation ?
30 Jun 20, Anonymous (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You could try it. I would think a big hanging basket would be needed. Would need constant attention as the plant can grow to 1-1.5m and that size would need a lot of water each day.
25 May 19, Sunita Narayan (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I've just read Mitre 10 keep seeds at some of their stores. I have one plant which is now in fruits. They are tasty. In tropics they grow wild with lots of fruits at a time.
30 Jun 20, Paul Hargreaves (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Bunnings in Christchurch sell the plants.
Showing 11 - 20 of 31 comments

Clay soil is a massive topic, I suggest you read a few articles - here is a very positive one: https://www.provenwinners.com/learn/dirt-dirt-clay -- like the article states your soil is probably loaded with nutrition, water is the real issue; the way clay soil gets water logged and heavy. The standard rule of thumb with clay soil is: load it up with organic matter (manure, leaves, kitchen compost, etc.). You can just LAYER these on the soil. Additionally, choosing plants that tolerate/like clay soil -- I think the hardy kiwi can tolerate this soil as well as American Persimmon, osage oranges and lots of other plants. They have online plant finders that can help you isolate which plants have the highest probability of success. One thing I did notice when working with heavy clay soils was that plants take a lot longer to establish and grow. I suspect I wouldn't make the effort to plant anything other than plants that are specifically listed as clay tolerant -- you have to go right down to the type of plant: for example: OSAGE oranges not just any oranges .... but maybe all oranges can tolerate clay... you need to check by the type.

- Celeste Archer

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