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              
        P              

(Best months for growing Cape Gooseberry in USA - Zone 5a 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 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

08 Mar 16, roger baddeley (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Perth and want to find out where I can buy Cape Gooseberries.
14 May 16, anthony (Australia - temperate climate)
seeds can be bought at garden outlets - I grow some myself - if you want some seeds - let me know
25 Jun 16, Elise Menne (Australia - temperate climate)
hI ANTHONY, dO YOU STILL HAVE SOME GOOSEBERRY SEEDS?? I AM IN PERTH
07 Mar 16, Cherrie (Australia - temperate climate)
Plants are available from Bunnings. I bought one today. I used to pick them growing wild when I was a child.
06 Mar 16, Arend Treurnicht (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Dear Ruth Morgan, bought a biggish plant from a local nursery. All went well until some bugs invaded, grazed the leaves and even started laying eggs on the underside in the curled-up leaves. Since propagated many small from the seeds, as well as seeds from ones I bought in the local shop, washed over a tea-sieve, dried on a kitchen roll and then into a Zip-lock folded into the damp kitchen-roll, damp and leave in peace for a fortnight. Very promising and keeping eyes on the old mother-plant as well as all the new seedlings. Very promising but this year the heat is merciless. First drops are falling and we hope they will thrive.
01 Mar 16, Errol (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I recall a type of Goooseberry that grew wild on the farm on which I spent my childhood in the Mary Valley Queensland. The fruit was edible but had a strong taste. I tried to grow the common gooseberry once without success. I would like to try again. Where is the best place to source plants in the Brisbane area? What soil type do they prefer?
01 Mar 16, Bron Ramey (Australia - temperate climate)
I assume you refer Cape Gooseberry. I found seeds at big box shop in the specialist range. Why not Google that? They like warmth, fertile soil, I pruned mine at 6 inches. I have found they are slow growing in afternoon shad. Next time I will put in full sun however, our temperate zone here on the coast Newcastle is very very hot and humid this year. Seeds came up easy!
24 Feb 16, Jeane Briggs (Australia - temperate climate)
I just bought dried Goji Berries and Inca Berries from Coles and enjoyed the taste. Would love to grow both as I have a medium sized backyard. Please advise. Thanks and enjoy your day.
03 Feb 16, Michelle (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi I just received mine from Fairdinkum seeds (they're located in Gin Gin) - can purchase them online - with free postage!! Regards Michelle
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.
Showing 201 - 210 of 393 comments

Can these be perennial in zone 7? If I keep them out all winter and will they grow back next spring? I hear they are perenial but not sure about growing them in my zone.

- Tammy r

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