Water
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering slightly in cooler months to prevent root rot. Ensure good drainage to avoid issues.
Also known as African Groundcherry · Aztec Berry · Brazil Cherry
Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) is a tropical plant producing tart, edible berries enclosed in a papery husk. It thrives in warm climates and is grown for its unique
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruiting.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Prefers evenly moist soil, but avoid waterlogging. Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Grows best in temperatures between 15-25°C. Protect from frost; it is a perennial in frost-free climates.
Moderate Feeding
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering slightly in cooler months to prevent root rot. Ensure good drainage to avoid issues.
Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged branches. Pinching back young shoots encourages bushier growth and more fruit production. Remove any diseased parts promptly.
Easily propagated from seeds sown indoors in early spring. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost. Cuttings can also be taken from semi-hardwood in summer and rooted in moist potting mix.
Repot young plants annually in spring. Mature plants can be repotted every 2-3 years or when root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix in a pot only slightly larger than the current one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana)
Where Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Physalis |
| Species | Physalis peruviana |
Similar in genus Physalis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
