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
                  P P P

(Best months for growing Cape Gooseberry in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • 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

07 Feb 22, Vivian Robert Cutler (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
same here....white spot on leaves
03 Sep 21, TT (USA - Zone 7a climate)
Where do i find a plant or seeds to start?
07 Sep 21, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Internet seed selling companies.
25 Jan 21, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I sow seeds in November last year which was bought from Bunnings and they are still very tiny plants around 15cm height. Not sure what's wrong or do I just need to be patience?
27 Jan 21, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
I think you have very poor soil. Or it is very hot temperature. Try again early autumn.
29 Jun 20, Paul (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Can a Cape Gooseberry be grown in a Hanging Basket situation ?
30 Jun 20, Anonymous (New Zealand - temperate climate)
You could try it. I would think a big hanging basket would be needed. Would need constant attention as the plant can grow to 1-1.5m and that size would need a lot of water each day.
25 May 19, Sunita Narayan (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I've just read Mitre 10 keep seeds at some of their stores. I have one plant which is now in fruits. They are tasty. In tropics they grow wild with lots of fruits at a time.
30 Jun 20, Paul Hargreaves (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Bunnings in Christchurch sell the plants.
16 Nov 18, Mehdi Malekmohammadi (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi, I am very keen to plant Physalis and wondering if someone guide me how to get the seeds and where to buy the plant of this herb?
Showing 11 - 20 of 30 comments

Can a Cape Gooseberry be grown in a Hanging Basket situation ?

- Paul

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 GardenGrow 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 GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | 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. GardenGrow 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.