Golden Berry, Cape Gooseberry, Peruvian Groundcherry

Physalis peruviana, also known as Cape Gooseberry or Golden Berry, brings a taste of sunshine to your garden. This decorative and fruitful plant thrives even in cooler climates and rewards you with bright orange berries wrapped in delicate papery husks.

🌿 Description

• Common names: Golden Berry, Cape Gooseberry, Peruvian Groundcherry

• Scientific name: Physalis peruviana L.

• Family: Nightshade family (Solanaceae)

• Origin: South America – Peru, Colombia, Ecuador

• Seed pack: 5 pcs

🌼 Plant & Fruit
The plant grows 60–150 cm tall with yellow flowers and orange fruits enclosed in lantern-like husks. The berries have a sweet-tart flavour, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Ideal for fresh snacking, jams, and desserts.

🌱 Sowing & Growing
Sow seeds indoors from February to March at 20–25 °C. Germination takes 10–20 days. Transplant seedlings once 5–7 cm tall. Plant outside or in a greenhouse after frost. Choose sunny, well-drained soil.

💧 Care
Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Feed moderately. Support stems during fruiting. Prune side shoots for better airflow, similar to tomatoes.

🌾 Harvest
Fruits ripen from July to September. Unripe fruits can be picked before frost and will ripen indoors. Each plant can yield 1–3 kg of berries.

🍊 Use
Enjoy fresh, in cakes, jams, or dried snacks. The natural waxy coating helps them store well.

⚠️ Note
Only ripe berries are edible. Green fruits and leaves contain solanine.

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