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 10°C and 25°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 100 - 150 cm 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
19 Dec 21, Brigitte (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have a Cape Goose Berry in a very large pot. Plant growing well but some leaves have white spots on them, it is not powdery mildew. Randomly spaced over leaf, underside of spot under leaf is yellow, it looks slightly like it has been eaten but no holes and for life of me cannot find an insect/bug.
Showing 11 - 20 of 31 comments

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