Physalis peruviana ( Cape Gooseberry ) is a fruiting shrub that is native to the warmer climates of Chile and Peru. Cape Gooseberry plants produce tasty yellow berries during summer and thrive in warm, moist conditions. The berries are delicious straight from the plant or can be stored for up to 45 days and used in jams, pies, desserts and chutneys.
Suitable for Sub-Tropical, Tropical and Temperate climates.
Other common names for Physalis peruviana include Golden Berry, Pichuberry, Peruvian Groundcherry and in Latin America the plants are known as aguaymanto, uchuva and uvilla.
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Growth
Physalis peruviana is a perennial, sometimes annual shrub that grows to a compact height of up to 1.6 metres (5 feet) and a width of no more than around 1 metre (3 feet). Cape Gooseberry plants thrive in warm temperatures that range between 10 to 30 °C (50 to 86 °F) and locations that receive higher than average rainfall. Under these conditions, Physalis peruviana can become prolific berry produces and grow perennially year after year. In temperate climates where temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F) on a regular basis, plants grow as an annual and die off over the winter.
Flowers are hermaphrodite, bell-shaped and drops off once pollinated, exposing the calyx which provides protection for the berry to grow. Fruits are round, yellow almost orange in colour and resemble yellow cherry tomatoes and with their calyx intact appear like Chinese lanterns.
Plants can be grown from stem cuttings that are one year old and will flower early and yield well but will not be as prolific as those raised by seed. When sown from seed, Cape Gooseberries can be flowering with 80-90 days and the subsequent fruit will often take around the same time to ripen.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Solanaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Sub-Tropical, Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10°C to 30°C / 50 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Light Shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 1.6 metre (5 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1 metre (3 feet)
pH:
5.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial, Annual in temperate climates.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees.
MATURITY:
6-10 months.
GERMINATION RATES:
45-55%
GERMINATION TIME:
2-6 weeks.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Relatively Easy.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 200
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT PHYSALIS PERUVIANA (Cape Gooseberry)
History can trace the Cape Gooseberry to being used by the great Inca Empire in South America and was introduced to Europe as early as 1774.
The flowers, leaves, stems and unripe fruits contain solanine which can cause poisoning if ingested by humans, cattle or horses.
Physalis peruviana is a close relative to the tomatillo and is part of the same family as eggplants, tomatoes and potatoes. When the fruit is left inside the inedible calyx husks, its shelf life at room temperature can be extended to around 30-45 days.
Cape Gooseberries are good for the heart, helps lower blood pressure and is said to help with arthritis. For more information on the health benefits of Physalis peruviana click here.
