Fruit · Solanaceae family
Cape gooseberry
Physalis peruviana
In short a 10-second read
spacing 3 ft 3⅜ in
Where to plant and how much to water
Sun, soil and water.
It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil.
Sun
Soil
Watering
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (69 in).
Plant 3 ft 3⅜ in apart.
The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
Through the year.
Typical for a temperate climate (four seasons). The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
July–September · yellow or brown
Sowing
sow indoors: March–April
Planting
transplant outdoors: May
Harvest
September
What to plant now (March) full list in March (284) →What to plant now (April) full list in April (323) →What to plant now (May) full list in May (185) →
Pests and diseases
Common problems and what to do.
The most common problems in Central Europe. Protection is listed from the gentlest option.
No serious pests or diseases
Gardening sources describe pests and diseases of this species as rare.
Sources (1)
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does Cape gooseberry flower?
In July–September; the flowers are yellow or brown.
When do I sow Cape gooseberry?
In March–April (sow indoors).
When is Cape gooseberry harvested?
In September.
Does Cape gooseberry tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does Cape gooseberry need?
At maturity 3 ft 3⅜ in–4 ft 11 in wide and 3 ft 3⅜ in–4 ft 11 in tall; recommended spacing 3 ft 3⅜ in.
Sources (10) Checked 24 October 2026
- rhs.org.uk 2
- plants.ces.ncsu.edu
- hort.purdue.edu
- api.gbif.org
- hornbach.cz
- gartenakademie.rlp.de
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
Similar plants
Have a look at these too.
Harvest
When to harvest.
Using the harvest · Cape gooseberry
From the bed to the kitchen.
What you can eat, what is in it, and what to do with the harvest now and later.
Edible parts
What is in it
What to do with the harvest
Now, in a few days and for winter.
- Store: fruit in their husks in a closed container somewhere dry for several months.
Unripe fruit is poisonous – eat only fully ripe fruit.