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
      S                
          T            

(Best months for growing Cape Gooseberry in Canada - Zone 5a Temperate Warm Summer regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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

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01 Feb 16, Albert Johnson (Australia - temperate climate)
Reply to Mick Dodd. I have surplus seedlings of Cape Gooseberry, pick up in Beechboro if you would like some, free.
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28 Feb 16, Alan Gillanders (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Mick. Do you still have any Cape Gooseberry seedling left?? I live in Mindarie, but don't have a problem travelling to get some plants. Cheers Alan
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02 Feb 16, Gordon (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi mate, I've just read your email and was wondering if I could come get some seeds off you ? I'm in DOUBLEVIEW Thanks again
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23 Jan 16, Olaf (Australia - temperate climate)
Cape Gooseberry (Melbourne) I found a friend had a plant, from which I took two small cuttings. I just popped them in the ground and kept them moist. This was in March15. I needed to protect the young plants from marauding birds though. The cuttings were nipped off at ground level by a Sulphur Crested Cockatoo. Not a problem though, I just replanted the remaining cutting out of cocky's reach. Now it is 3 feet tall has flowers on it and I am looking forward with much anticipation to enjoying the wonderful little fruit parcels. I have grown them before, but sadly found you need to propagate a new plant about every 2/3 years, as they are not long lived. This time I am not going to be deprived of this wonderful little fruit!
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21 Jan 16, Rachel (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I live in nundah/Brisbane .any chance you may have some seedlings/seeds.absolutely love them but can seem to find them in markets.thanks a lot
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28 Jan 16, Graeme (Australia - arid climate)
Hi Rachel. I live in Kalgoorlie WA and found Cape Gooseberry seedlings at the local Bunnings store ($4.95) when I was picking up finger limes that I had ordered. I am sure that they or most of the larger nurseries can get them in for you. As a kid we had several plants always growing as mum loved making jam with them. I am looking forward to enjoying them again. Good luck
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26 Jan 16, Luke (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I just bought some from Northey Street City Farm nursery on the weekend.
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16 Jan 16, Pamela (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in the foothills of the Nandewar ranges, Narrabri NSW. I have been given a Gooseberry plant and wondered what is the best aspect for planting in to my garden?
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07 Jan 16, Ruth morgan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
My gooseberries have large amounts of leaf curl. Can you suggest what to do?
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06 Jan 16, Ruth Morgan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Gooseberry grew from seed no probs. When it grew quite big, was invaded by pests. Small bug laying so many larvae under leave.Also leaf curl, and plant dies back. We try not to spray but killed hundreds of larvae and small bugs.Could you advise what to do and the amount of water and sun> Many thanks Ruth Morgan
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