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
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How you do eradicate the 3-lined Lema beetle which attacks the leaves and stresses the plant at all 3 stages of its life please?

- Deb Reid

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