- Botanical name: Physalis peruviana
- Common name: Cape gooseberry
- Family: Solanaceae
- Plant Type: Fruit
White
Green
- Key features:
- Attractive seedheads
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Prefers rich soil
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.
How to grow Physalis peruviana
-
Plant size
90cm height
60cm spread
-
Aspect
South facing, west facing
- Sun exposure: Dappled shade, full sun
- Hardiness: Tender
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow | ||||||||||||
| Sow |
J
Do not Sow in January |
F
Do not Sow in February |
M
Do not Sow in March |
A
Do Sow in April |
M
Do Sow in May |
J
Do not Sow in June |
J
Do not Sow in July |
A
Do not Sow in August |
S
Do not Sow in September |
O
Do not Sow in October |
N
Do not Sow in November |
D
Do not Sow in December |
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do not Plant in September |
O
Do not Plant in October |
N
Do not Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does not flower in May |
J
Plant does flower in June |
J
Plant does flower in July |
A
Plant does flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
Physalis peruviana and wildlife
Physalis peruviana has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Physalis peruviana poisonous?
Physalis peruviana has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
