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

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29 Sep 21, A Herb Tinkerer (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Last week of September, right now is the peak Poha time for SE Wisconsin, the fruits started being picked late August, from seeds started indoors mid April - not too early. Hopefully the '38 degrees or below' won't arrive to kill off the plants for a few more weeks. It's a great ending for this summer. I've been growing these for over 10 years, each year trying something new. My first seeds back then, which I no longer grow, was the variety was (?)
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29 Mar 16, Paula Kreger (USA - Zone 3a climate)
Can I grow the Cape Gooseberries in my zone?---zone 3.
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28 Mar 16, Richard de Losada (USA - Zone 5a climate)
I have a question if these can grow in an exotic greenhouse !!! please send me any info that you might have !!! Thanks for your time..
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26 Mar 16, Jeanne (USA - Zone 4b climate)
Could the golden berry be planted in containers?
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14 Nov 15, David (USA - Zone 4b climate)
I remember these when a child living in South Africa. Living now in USA Maine zone 4b will they survive if I bring the inside for the winter? Really would like to grow some.
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29 Oct 14, Greg (USA - Zone 6a climate)
Hi, would I be able to grow cape gooseberries in Zone 6A? Thanks
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21 Jun 15, Dawn Phillips (USA - Zone 5a climate)
I'm in Ohio and my gooseberry bush loves this weather. Cold winters and warm summers. They are good grown in sun and partial shade.
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31 Jul 13, (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Buy a punnet of gooseberries at any grocery shop that sells them and open one. Squeeze the small pips out into a planter with prepared potting soil and water generously. You will be amazed at how fast your seeds will take root. Harvest 14-18 weeks, depending. On climate. Gooseberries like hot humid weather.
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24 Apr 13, Jennifer Sandler (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Can anyone tell me how and where I can get the Cape berries in the United states? Is it possible to buy the plant? Thanks, Jennifer
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01 Jun 17, Mike (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I bought mine off of eBay. Just make sure you are buying from a seller with good reviews.
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Showing 31 - 40 of 48 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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