A close relative of the familiar garden perennial, Chinese lantern (Physalis alkekengi), cape gooseberry or Inca berry (Physalis peruviana) is widely cultivated in many warmer parts of the world and will succeed in gardens if grown like outdoor tomatoes. Each cape gooseberry plant can produce up to a kilo of fruit, which is sweet and refreshing with a high Vitamin C content, and will store in a warm dry place for several weeks.
Grow Physalis peruviana in pots in the conservatory or greenhouse, or outside in a sheltered sunny spot. Plants may be kept as perennials, but seedlings are often more productive.
Plant calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sow
yes
yes
Plant
yes
yes
Flowers
yes
yes
yes
Physalis and wildlife
Physalis has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
