Passiflora edulis - Image: PD USDA ARS

Passiflora edulis

Coffea arabica

Coffea arabica

Physalis peruviana

Goldenberry, Cape Gooseberry
Size
ex 1.5L pots
Availability: Sold Out
£8.99
Quick Overview
  • Large shrubby bush with edible fruits
  • Large velvety heart-shaped foliage
  • Green flowers followed by large calyxes
  • Tender
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Physalis peruviana, Goldenberry or Cape Gooseberry is well known and familiar as a fruit but not often grown, although it is very easy in cultivation. It's main requirements are full sun and a well-drained soil but as its soft velvety foliage does not tolerate frost it is usually grown in the UK as an annual. However, this often means that the plant is fruiting just as the winter weather makes it difficult for the fruit to ripen or for the plants themselves to survive the frosts. The best strategies are to grow them in large pots under glass, to move them under glass in the autumn or in milder locations to grow them in sheltered aspects up against a south-facing wall, ideally with some over-hanging protection. Old growth turns woody and does well in a frost-free environment over winter and gives you a head start for the next year's growth. If grown outdoors in a sheltered spot it needs to be cut back and heavily mulched.

The understated and rather delicate flowers are bell-shaped with five greenish petals splotched with reddish-brown beautifully-veined spots resembling inkblots. These are followed by a large green calyx which when ripe dries to a brownish papery husk that encloses the fruit.


Additional Information

Order Solanales
Family Solanaceae
Sub-Family Solanoideae
Synonyms Alkekengi pubescens, Boberella peruviana, Physalis chenopodifolia, Physalis esculenta, Physalis latifolia, Physalis peruviana var. latifolia, Physalis puberula, Physalis tomentosa
Geographical Origin Peru, Chile
Cultivation Very tolerant of poor soil. Does well in most well-drained situations in sun or partial shade. In the south, grow up against a warm wall in a sheltered location. Elsewhere, overwinter under glass
Eventual Height 1.5m
Eventual Spread 1m
Hardiness Tender. Usually grown as an annual in the UK but best brought in under glass through winter and kept going as a perennial. In warmer locations, a heavy mulch and a sheltered spot may see it re-sprouting from the roots or the woody stems
Physalis peruviana
Goldenberry, Cape Gooseberry
Size
ex 1.5L pots
Availability: Sold Out
£8.99
You could receive 20 Palm Points for writing a review for this product.
Add to My Wishlist Add to Compare Email to a Friend
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