The article gives details on how to grow cape gooseberries, also known as Physalis peruviana, at home from seeds. The other names of cape gooseberries are golden berries, husk tomatoes, Peruvian groundcherries, Inca berries, or pichuberries. Cape gooseberries are native to South America. They produce small, round tropical fruits encased in unique papery husk. The fruit is sweet and tart like that of a tomatillo. The taste is similar to a cherry tomato mixed with a strawberry.
 |
| Cape Gooseberries |
The cape gooseberry plants are relatively easy to grow. Here is a detailed guide to help you successfully grow cape gooseberries from seeds at your home, as I have grown in Sydney, Australia.
It is mentioned that cape gooseberries are not related gooseberry plants, actually they are a close relative of the tomato and other members of the nightshade family.
Growing Cape Gooseberries From Seeds
Cape gooseberries are commonly grown from seeds.
- Get high-quality seeds, fresh cape gooseberries seeds have higher germination rates. Older seeds will take a very long time to germinate. Begin the planting process indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost.
- Take a small pot having drainage holes at its bottom. Fill this pot with seed-starting mix. You can make your own potting mix by mixing some compost and sand in garden soil.
- Moisten the soil lightly but ensure it is not soggy.
- Sow Seeds: Spread the seeds on the soil and lightly press with your fingers. You can lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, about 6 mm (¼ inch) deep.
- Cover the container with a clear plastic wrap.
- Place the pot at a warm location with a temperature of around 21°C (70°F).
- The seeds will germinate in 1-3 weeks.
- Poor Germination: Old seeds will not germinate. Sow fresh seeds and provide a warm, consistently moist environment for germination.
- Remove the plastic wrap once the seedlings emerge.
Transplanting Seedlings
When the seedlings develop 2-3 sets of leaves, transplant them into the garden or containers once the danger of frost has passed. Space them 18-24 inches apart in garden bed.
 |
| Cape Gooseberry Seedling |
Caring for Cape Gooseberries
The cape gooseberry plants are easy to care for. It is mentioned that your cape gooseberry will self-seed itself next season, once you have a plant growing in your garden.
Soil
Use a well draining soil with pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Mix in some compost and river sand to improve fertility and drainage. Ensure the soil pH is between 5.5 and 7.0.
Location: Where to Grow
Cape gooseberries thrive in warm climates, temperatures between 15 to 29°C (60 to 85°F). In cooler climates, move the pots indoors during cold weather or they can be grown as annuals as they are sensitive to frost.
Plant cape gooseberry plant in full sun, at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering
Cape gooseberries need regular watering, especially during dry periods. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Do not water on the foliage, but water at the base of the plant to avoid fungal diseases. Overwatering or poor drainage can cause leaf drop or wilting.
Mulch
Add a thick layer of mulch like sugarcane mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture and prevent weeds.
Fertilizing
If you had enriched the soil prior to planting, you need not to add any additional fertilizer.
Feed plants with a fertilizer every 6 weeks during the growing season. A fertilizer high in nitrogen can lead to lush foliage at the expense of fruit production. So a high potassium fertilizer is good for fruit production.
Pruning
- Prune the plant to manage its size and improve air circulation. Late winter or early spring is best time to prune.
- Pinch off the tips of the plants to encourage bushier growth.
- Remove any dead or diseased foliage promptly.
Pest and Disease Control
Cape gooseberries are generally free from insects, but watch out for aphids and whiteflies.
Neem oil spray can prevent and control insects problem.
Ensure good airflow around the plants to prevent fungal diseases.
Harvesting and Storage
The cape gooseberry plants will produce flowers in around 70 days after sowing the seeds. After pollination, the fruit takes 70 to 80 days to mature. So you may harvest cape gooseberry fruits in 140 to 150 days after sowing the seeds.The flowers are attractive little yellow with a dark brown pattern around the centre.
The flowers are self-pollinated. However, the pollination can be improved by gently shaking the flowering stems. You may plant companion flowers that attract pollinators.
You can harvest the fruit when the husks turn brown and papery, and the berries inside are golden-orange. Some of the fruits may even drop to the ground naturally.
Just pull the fruit gently from the bush by its stem once it is ripe. You may use a pair of scissors to harvest fruit.
Harvest the fruits regularly to encourage the plant to produce more fruit. The fruit can be eaten fresh.
Storing Fruit
Cape gooseberries can be stored at room temperature for several weeks. Keep them in the refrigerator or freeze them for longer storage. You can dry the fruit for longer storage in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Plant Not Producing Fruit?
If your cape gooseberry plant is not producing fruit, you can encourage your plants to produce flowers by
- Providing more sunlight to the plant, move them to a brighter location.
- Avoid feeding nitrogen rich fertilizer, which will grow foliage the the cost of flowers. Feed a fertilizer rich in potassium.
- Ensure good pollination. The pollination can be improved by shaking the flowering stems gently. You may have plants like lavender and marigold that attract pollinators.