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 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

15 Dec 17, michelle (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Trish; about your Cape Gooseberry fruit being attacked by 'borers', maybe it;s earwigs. The larvae do that to rose buds, maybe it's the same for the C.G fruit.
20 Nov 17, Roy (United Kingdom - warm/temperate climate)
Hi I have planted 6 cape gooseberries in June they have grown well until now . I have loads of green husks but every thing has come to a standstill Also as they are perennials how and when should I prune them .Your advice would be much appreciated Thank you Ro7
21 Nov 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I'm no expert here. Maybe a light fertilizing with a K leaning. Your weather would be coming into winter - may cause them to slow down growing. If you want to prune them I would do it after they have fruited. Google how to grow them. Try a site called gardening channel.
13 Nov 17, Colin (Australia - temperate climate)
I am a proud owner of one cape gooseberry "bush". I am experimenting with propagation by cuttings, taken from vigorous side shoots down low near the ground surface. Has anyone propagated with cuttings. After some 4 weeks the one cutting I have taken appears to have "taken" and looks healthy. There are many new side shoots on my "bush" and I wish to take many more cuttings. Has any one been down this path. Any problems I should be aware of.? I live in Western Victoria, on hours drive from the coast. Thank you in anticipation. Colin
08 Oct 17, Dom (USA - Zone 6b climate)
Will the Golden Gooseberries grow in zone 6b in the USA?
10 Oct 17, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
According to this site, sow seeds in April or May.
09 Oct 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try spring and summer I read.
09 Oct 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Check your climate against the ones listed here for Australia. Then look up the planting requirements etc for it here. I.E. A similar climate to yours might be sub tropical in Australia. Put sub tropical in the climate zone in the top section here and read up about it. Or try the internet for growing in the USA.
19 Sep 17, Trish (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi All. We have a very healthy cape gooseberry plant. Heaps of flowers and fruit and thriving on neglect to a certain degree (thank goodness for drip systems). I am in Brisbane and we are now getting something burrowing into the fruit. Never had issues previously and can't seem to see any grubs. Any ideas or assistance on dealing with these would be helpful. Thanks.
23 Sep 17, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Try stuff for tomatoes. Look up organic sprays for tomatoes. Can only try.
Showing 111 - 120 of 393 comments

Hi Andrew, If your interested in some seeds, I've got some here in Rocky. Send a self addressed envelope to KjW 375 East St R'ton and I'll send you a dozen or so. Rgards KjW

- Ken

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.