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 S S S S
                T T T T
              P P P P P

(Best months for growing Cape Gooseberry in Australia - temperate regions)

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

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26 May 10, David Window (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Would like to contact someone SE Qld, northern NSW who is growing commercially to purchase 15 - 20 kg of berries, still in the husk, per week while in season. Thanks David Window
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26 Apr 11, liz (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi David I expect to have some vines flowering very soon which means ripe fruit in the next couple of months. let me know if you still need supplier. Liz, Byron Bay
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21 Mar 14, Carlene Lillford (Australia - tropical climate)
Hi Liz I am also interested in growing gooseberries commercially on Mid North Coast NSW I have had some growing in the garden & doing well but would like more information on the possibility of growing them commercially. Can you help?
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I found my 10cm tall plant growing in a car park last year in Raymond Terrace NSW while I was on holidays. Recognition of the plant came from my childhood (I am 60). The berries were a flaver-memory. I tenderly removed it as I just knew it was not going to survive where it was growing in a cement crack. I bought it home to SE Queensland and planted it in a pot where it still grows at over a metre high and a metre wide. I just love to eat the berries off the bush as I go about my garden. Moral; be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for what ever you might find. Happy Gardening and bless the rain every chance you get.

- GeeWhizz

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