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            
    T T T T T T        
    P P P P P P        

(Best months for growing Cape Gooseberry in Australia - 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 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

29 May 18, Mike Logan (Australia - temperate climate)
You are on the Australian section of the web site. Try the USA section in the "Set my climate zone" Top left side of the page.
25 May 18, Nina (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
1) Where do I get the cape gooseberry seed from? 2) Temperature & climate required ?
29 May 18, (Australia - temperate climate)
Boondie seeds - go to the all vegies and to page 3 - you will find them there. Temperate climate plant Aug to Dec.
16 May 18, Delroy (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Can I replant a golden berry plant that has flower and starting to fruit?
22 May 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The older a plant is the bigger the shock when you transplant it. You would probably kill it. A way to do it (????) is - cut down through the root system for 30-45cm about 15-20cm from the trunk.. Water the plant for about 3-4 weeks to develop new roots near the trunk. Then carefully dig it out putting a plastic liner around the soil and root system - keep the soil and roots all tight together. Then put it in it's new home. No guarantees though.
17 May 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
No.
12 Apr 18, (USA - Zone 9b climate)
How many plants in the spacing of 20 in. Apart ?
13 Apr 18, (Australia - temperate climate)
Spacing means how far apart "two" plants are. Row means the distance between rows.
26 Mar 18, Susan (Australia - tropical climate)
Eureka! My gooseberry seeds have peeped through today. I am on my way now to lots of jam hopefully. Thanks for your help. It has taken 8 weeks to germinate.
19 Mar 18, Pauline Lambert (Australia - arid climate)
How and where do I grow my Gooseberry bush and how do I look after my bush. Do I prune it hard after fruiting, does it prefer sun or shade. Can it grow in a big pot. I have very little land and it does not get much sun but as I am on a corner and have a lot of Council land I can plant it there if it requires sun. Please help my plant flourish. Many thanks.
Showing 91 - 100 of 393 comments

I live in Queensland- Brisbane northside and would like to get hold of some seeds or a seedling. Does anyone know where I can locate some close-by?? Thanks, Mel.

- Melody

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.