Cape Gooseberry Seeds Golden Berry Physalis - 150 Fresh Oriental Vegetable Seeds

SWEET ORANGE BERRY FRUITS: Cape Gooseberry is a very much in demand tall shrub type plant that can grow up to around 1.8m. It produces an abundance of intensely sweet tasting bright orange berry like fruits. The fruits are often used in salads and for jam making featuring prominently in savoury and sweet dishes and are increasingly popular as a garnish.    

EASY TO GROW ORIENTAL VEGETABLE: Cape Gooseberry can also be known as Physalis or Golden Berry due to it's stunning orange fruits. It is not cold hardy in the UK and although it is a perennial it will only over-winter in milder areas in a sheltered warm spot, due to this it is best grown in the UK under glass as an annual plant similar to tomatoes. 

HOW TO PLANT: Sow seeds indoors under glass on the surface of a good quality seed compost and lightly cover the seed with vermiculite at a temperature of 18-21°C. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into individual 8cm pots and grow them on at a minimum temperature of 15°C until they are about 20cm tall. Then transplant into larger containers or growbags and grow under glass or once all risk of frost has passed move containers outside to a sunny patio.    

TOP GROWING TIPS: Plant out to growing position in a sheltered position in full sun preferably in poorer sandy well drained soil to encourage fruit production and stake as required. The plant is naturally bushy, however by pinching out growing tips this will encourage a more dense growth. The fruits are encased in a paper like husk which should be allowed to fully dry prior to harvest. Only the berries are edible, other plant parts can cause mild stomach upset if eaten. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling.    

GO BACK TO YOUR ROOTS: Cape Gooseberry is an interesting and unusual plant to grow. Planting veg, herbs and flowers is a wonderful way to spend time in your garden, cultivate mindfulness and appreciate the little things just like in years gone by. Working with the earth and growing things is immensely satisfying – teach your children or grandchildren this priceless skill of harvesting food in their own gardens, allotments, greenhouses, inside the home in pots or even in community gardens!

Pack size: 150

Sow: February to April

Harvest: July to September