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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16 Nov 18, Mehdi Malekmohammadi (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi, I am very keen to plant Physalis and wondering if someone guide me how to get the seeds and where to buy the plant of this herb?
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19 Nov 18, Joanna Hingston (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hi, I have a large plant you are welcome to if you live locally. I'm in North Canterbury
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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.
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11 Dec 18, Mary Carshalton (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Joanna, I live in Woodend would love a piece of your cape goosberry. How can I find out your phone number?
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18 Nov 18, Mike (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Try to find some seed selling people/companies on the internet in NZ.
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14 May 18, Gayle Coppins (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
I am keen to grow cape gooseberries as had them when I lived in Wellington and loved them. Is anyone willing to sell/give me a plant or seeds?Or can tell me where I might buy the same here in Taupo?
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21 May 18, Dawn (New Zealand - temperate climate)
For the safety of my grandkids I pulled out all of my gooseberries cos they are almost identical to the shoo fly plant which I prefer to keep But I did find in my seed box a bag with 4 lonely gooseberry seeds that you are welcome to. I am in Whakatane
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03 Dec 17, Des Harvey (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
My Capegooseberry is planted in a lge pot and was planted in fruit / vge mix. The plant has a good crop of fruit but appears to be yellowing. could i be giving it too much water or should i give it some fertiliser and if so what ???? Many thanks DES HARVEY
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01 Dec 17, jennifer alex (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I am trying to grow golden berries at my kitchen garden. i sow some seeds and now they are tiny plants. i am waiting for the fruits.
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18 May 14, Carolien (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Can I grow cape goose berries from cuttings or only from seeds??? Thanks
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Showing 21 - 30 of 31 comments
See comments for all plants

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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