Flower Specifications
- Season: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 8 - 11
- Height: 24 inches
- Bloom Season: Spring to mid summer
- Bloom Color: Yellow to purple
- Environment: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Very adaptable - sandy to clay, pH 5.1 - 6.0
Planting Directions
- Temperature: 75F
- Average Germ Time: 10 - 20 days
- Light Required: Yes
- Depth: 1/16 inch
- Sowing Rate: 3 seeds per plant
- Moisture: Keep moist until germination
- Plant Spacing: 18 inches
- Care & Maintenance: See: Cape Gooseberry
Cape Gooseberry (Physalis Peruviana) - Physalis Peruviana, commonly referred to as Cape Gooseberry, is a perennial plant growing to approximately 2 feet tall. Cape Gooseberry is is hardy to zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from August to November. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees and wind.
Cape Gooseberry will grow in a wide range of soils from light sandy soils to heavy clay soils. All soil types should be well-drained. Even if the soil is nutritionally poor, Cape Gooseberry will still grow well. It prefers acidic soil. Physalis Peruvian is very adaptable to soil types and nutrients. It can grow in full sun to partial shade.
Cape Gooseberry is known for its yellow, edible fruits. You can use these fruits raw or cooked in pies, cakes, jellies, compotes, jams, and many other things. Cape Gooseberry is considered to have a delicious bitter-sweet flavor. The dried fruit can be used as a raisin substitute, though it is not so sweet. Some people refer to Physalis Peruviana as Peruvian Ground Cherry.
