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

(Best months for growing Cape Gooseberry in Australia - sub-tropical 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

15 Dec 19, Margaret (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I live in Canberra, australia. Is it too late to put in some seed?
17 Dec 19, anon (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
A general guide is to plant Sept to Nov . so put some seed in as soon as possible. Weather changes year to year, and I'm not talking climate change. We are experiencing a much later start to spring summer rains due to the Indian ocean dipole and the monsoon trough has not yet moved down from India into the north of Australia.
25 Oct 19, Dorothy Kerby (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have a cape gooseberry, and I love the fruit. BUT so does some grub. It makes a hole in the papery case (even when the fruit is just developing). What is this grub, and how can I prevent it from having more fruit that I do? I check the plant daily, and try to remove any affected fruit, to prevent them dropping and perpetuating the life cycle, BUT they are more tricky than I. I have bees and grow every thing organically.
28 Oct 19, anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Look up an organic spray mix for grubs in veggie crops.
05 Oct 19, Rosslyn Major (Australia - temperate climate)
I have some Goosberrys that ive had a few years all dry,wanting to grow from seed can i plant now thank you .
07 Oct 19, anon (Australia - temperate climate)
The purpose of this website is really to advise. You found your climate zone and the plant you want to grow. The information is all there at the top of the page with comments on growing it. PLANT AUG TO DEC. The seeds are old and may not germinate. Seeds only last so long if not properly stored. Germination % drops. Read about it on the net.
03 Oct 19, John D. Salcd (USA - Zone 5a climate)
Starting from seed indoors, transplanted outdoors and had done well with a small crop of delicious berries. With cold weather approaching, can I dig up the plant and repot for indoor "wintering over" or will it survive the harsh winters experienced in this part of the U.S. Your earliest reply would be most welcome. Thank you. J. Salce
16 Sep 19, Lesleigh (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi, I've recently planted my 1st gooseberry bush. It has tripled in size & given heaps of cape pods. But they seem small & drop off. I tasted one that had a tinge of orange it was lovely but most are green inside still. Its in a great sunny position. Am I overwatering it or being 1st crop should I pull them all off to allow for a better crop next time round when plant is big. Would love some advise. Never grown them before but just love the Jam. From Redlands in QLD. Thanks
18 Sep 19, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
Temperate zone it does say plant AUG onwards - maybe you planted a bit early. Remember little plants little watering often. As they become bigger more water less often. Mature plants 2-3 good waterings per week - more if very hot.
26 Jul 19, Ellie Hallett (Australia - temperate climate)
Hello, Because birds can spread plants so easily, would a glasshouse be a good idea to prevent this. I live in Toowoomba. If so, do you have any recommendations for glass, cloth, or other sorts of greenhouse for a domestic garden? Local possums could also be a problem for uncovered berries. Thank you kindly, Ellie
Showing 51 - 60 of 393 comments

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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