In cool climates, Cape Gooseberry is grown as an annual, when cold and frost end the growing season. Can grow to 6 feet ( cm) during one season but 2-3 feet ( cm)is more common and has a very sprawling habit. Cape gooseberry plant cannot grow well in muddy soil. Bowl of ripe cape gooseberries with husks. Having grown the smaller type of ground cherry (Pineapple Cossack) with success, I saved the seeds from purchased Cape Gooseberries (grown in Peru), and sowed it in early spring of 2017. Grows as a perennial in zone 8 and above. Native: All species are from the Americas with the exception of Physalis alkekengi, which is native from southern Europe through to Japan/East China. Cape Gooseberries The Cape gooseberry (Physalis edulis) is a quick-growing annual or perennial fruit plant that originates in South America. Cape Gooseberry is very easy to grow and as the fruit are popular with birds the plants can be easily spread around the garden. Fruits are larger than other varieties, roughly 1 inch in diameter. Cape gooseberries, botanically classified as Physalis peruviana, are sweet and tangy fruits that belong to the Solanaceae or nightshade family. To my utter delight, it germinated very easily, and the plant grew very well and healthy alongside my tomato seedlings. It is perennial. The cape gooseberry is an annual in temperate regions and a perennial in the tropics. I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It has been grown extensively in many parts of South Africa for the little golden berries that are produced in abundance, on bushes that can reach a height of about 1m. Description of Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana). Height: 14 to 60 inches (35—150 cm); some species as high as 10 feet (3 m). LYNDA HALLINAN / NZ GARDENER. Life Cycle: Hardy perennial. Cape gooseberry plant should be watered regularly and kept under close monitoring of drainage as well, so that the water does not clog in the soil. Growth Habit: The cape gooseberries is a soft-wooded, perennial, somewhat vining plant usually reaching 2 to 3 ft. in height. The cape gooseberry will grow in any well-drained soil but does best on sandy to gravelly loam.. how do you look after a Cape gooseberry? The cape gooseberry is related to tomatillo, ground cherry and husk tomato, all in the genus Physalis. Soil: The cape gooseberry will grow in any well drained soil but does best on sandy to gravelly loam. Click to see full answer. A spreading soft stemmed bush that grows as a perennial in zones 8 and warmer and is grown as an annual in colder zones (7 and above). In more tropical climates cape gooseberries are perennial and will apparently fruit all year round. Common Names: Cape Gooseberry, Chinese Lanterns, Groundcherry, Winter cherry, Golden strawberry. Cultivate the cape gooseberry fruits when the husks are dry. Physalis Growing and Care Guide. https://mygardenguide.com/plants/cape-gooseberry-physalis-peruviana Simply so, are cape gooseberries perennial? Production is not as heavy as other varieties, and they tend to ripen later than others. Cape gooseberry or Goldenberry – This species grows extra large, with plants reaching 4 feet tall. Its outdoors at the moment, but not certain - at what point in the autumn I will need to bring it into the greenhouse - how to best prepare it in advance for overwintering Ta for any ideas. But in warm climates, Cape Gooseberry can be grown as a short-lived perennial for 3-4 years. Under good conditions it can reach 6 ft. but will need support. If you have plenty of … Known by many names, including Goldenberry, Husk Cherry, Peruvian Ground Cherry, and Poha berry, Cape gooseberries are native to South America and have spread around the world, naturalizing in many regions. The purplish, spreading branches are ribbed and covered with fine hairs. 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