How to Grow Cape Gooseberry
Physalis peruviana
Cape gooseberries are tender fruiting plants grown as annuals in the UK. Sow indoors from January to March for the longest season. They need warmth, full sun, and well-drained fertile soil. Grow in a greenhouse or polytunnel for best results, or in a warm sheltered spot outdoors. Support plants with canes as they grow tall and bushy. Feed weekly with tomato feed once flowering begins. Fruits ripen late (September-November) inside papery husks that turn straw-coloured when ready. Patient gardeners are rewarded with sweet, tangy golden berries.
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 10°C and soil has warmed to at least 15°C.
Don't know your frost date? Find it here →
Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- High-potash liquid feed (tomato feed) weekly once first flowers appear. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which promote foliage over fruit.
- Treat as an annual in the UK. Sow early (January-March) indoors for the longest growing season. Greenhouse or polytunnel growing gives the best results in cooler climates.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 15°C+
- Germination temperature
- 18–25°C
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 60 cm |
| Row spacing | 75 cm |
| Sow depth | 0.5 cm |
| Mature height | 100 cm |
| Mature spread | 60 cm |
Space 60 cm apart in a warm, sheltered spot. Grows well in large pots (30 cm+) under cover for earlier ripening.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of small green or black insects on shoot tips and undersides of leaves, sticky honeydew residue
- Blast off with water spray
- Encourage ladybirds and lacewings
- Neem oil spray
- Approved insecticidal soap
Pest Whitefly
Identification: Tiny white flying insects on leaf undersides, especially under cover. Clouds of white when plant is disturbed.
- Yellow sticky traps
- Biological control (Encarsia formosa)
- Approved insecticidal soap
Disease Grey Mould (Botrytis) Botrytis cinerea
Symptoms: Fuzzy grey mould on fruits, stems, or leaves, especially in humid conditions with poor air circulation
Treatment: Remove affected material immediately, improve ventilation, reduce humidity, avoid overhead watering
Prevention: Space plants well, ensure good air circulation, water at base, remove lower leaves
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 15°C |
| Germination temperature | 18–25°C |
| Base growth temperature | 10°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 11h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Cape Gooseberry?
- Plant Cape Gooseberry 60cm apart with 75cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Cape Gooseberry?
- Cape Gooseberry is ready to harvest approximately 90 days after transplanting.
- Is Cape Gooseberry frost hardy?
- Cape Gooseberry is classified as Tender.
