Cape Gooseberry

[Elaine]

Evening All. I have just sown some Cape Gooseberry seeds (Physalis pruinosa)

I wondered have any of you grown them and what sort of results you had?

It says on the seed packet, can be grown in growbag or 12" pot, in the greenhouse, or in a sheltered spot outside but I intend to grow them in the greenhouse border.
We had some of these fruits given last year and really enjoyed them, so I thought I would have a go....nothing ventured etc.
Cheers.

[John P]

Hello Elaine, I have grown Cape Gooseberries for the last four or five years.both in the greenhouse and outdoors. In a half decent summer,unlike last year,when only half the fruit ripened,I have had a good crop from outdoor plants,but my most successful ventures have been in the greenhouse where i have had some heavy crops. they obviously prefer the extra llght and heat. I found them easy to grow,just keep the soil moist and feed with tomato liquid feed. last year I grew them in 12 inch pots with the same results. They dont seem to be bothered much by pests either. WARNING,they are quite a large plant,much like a currant bush in size. Hope this helps

[Colin_M]

Yes I grew a Physalis in our conservatory a few years ago. We got a decent amount of fruit from it.

[Elaine]

Hi John P. Thank you for the info...it's good to know that they are easy to grow. It's a good job you warned me about the size though! I will have to re-think how many plants to put in the greenhouse border now. I will have about 6 feet of border space available....do you think 3 plants will be too many? It states on the seed packet, "A Dwarf Golden Berry with branching stems and a bushy habit"

I'm wondering if I have left it a bit late to sow them, as it says germination takes upto 3 weeks and sow February/March. They are in a heated propagator. Are they fairly quick growers, or slow like peppers?

Cheers.

[PLUMPUDDING]

Physalis pruinosa is the Ground cherry which is different but very similar to the Cape Gooseberry - Physalis peruviana.

I've grown the latter which grows huge in the greenhouse border and the fruits keep on ripening up to Christmas if you leave them on. They germinate fast and are quite hardy.

Don't know if this is any help. Your variety might make a smaller, more manageable plant.

[John P]

Hello Elaine, Plumpudding is probably quite right as I am not into fancy names or latin terms,I did not know there was a smaller version.so therefore it is possible that you will get three plants into the space you have available. I have sown the seeds from early to late March,with basically the same results. Once they germinate they grow quite quickly,but dont expect ripe fruits in six to eight weeks as they take a while to reach maturity,but as Plumpudding says you can be picking up to Christmas. Even though you have a smaller variety I would still think they will be quite bushy. I cant compare with you this year ,as i am giving Cape Gooseberries a rest and trying Huckle Berries instead, whether I am successful remains to be seen. Anyway best of luck.

[PLUMPUDDING]

I've been looking these up on the internet, and it says to make sure the fruits are fully ripe because they are poisonous otherwise, also P. pruinosa has a different flavour to P. peruviana, but they are both sweet and fruity when ripe.

[Elaine]

Thank you JohnP and Plumpudding.
The seeds I have bought are definitely Physalis pruinosa from T & M and they say the common name is Cape Gooseberry!! I think I shall be guided by your advice, and thank you for taking the trouble to look it up Plumpudding. (why didn't I think of that? )

I look forward to seeing what happens with these and will keep you posted!
Cheers.