Cape gooseberry (goldenberry) Physalis peruviana
Cape gooseberry (goldenberry) (Physalis peruviana) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Solanaceae family, native to Andes (Peru, Colombia and Chile). It grows 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) tall and 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -1 °C (30 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
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Cape gooseberry (goldenberry) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Mature height | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -1 °C (30 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | about 10–14 weeks after planting, for 17–29 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: ripe fruit (husk removed) |
| Native to | Andes (Peru, Colombia and Chile) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Cape gooseberry (goldenberry) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: foliage, husk, unripe fruit
Leaves and unripe fruit contain solanine-type alkaloids and withanolides that can upset the stomach.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Cape gooseberry (goldenberry)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Florence fennel: Fennel releases growth-inhibiting compounds from roots and foliage; lab and garden reports show poorer growth of tomato, pepper and other nearby crops, so keep it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Smoke tree: Smoke tree is very susceptible to Verticillium wilt, which persists in soil after tomato, potato or aubergine crops; avoid planting it where those crops have wilted. Evidence C
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress tomatoes, peppers and many other vegetables nearby; grow it in its own corner. Evidence C
- caution With Nightshades: Nightshades share late blight, early blight, Verticillium wilt and Colorado potato beetle; mix with other families and rotate the bed. Evidence B
- avoid With Potato: Potatoes are the main source of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) that spreads to tomatoes and other nightshades within a few metres. Evidence B
- caution With Sunflower: Sunflower residues and roots release phenolic compounds that can slow nearby seedlings; transplants are less affected. Evidence C
Shared pests and diseases
- Late blight: Late blight spreads by wind-borne spores between potatoes, tomatoes and their relatives. Evidence B
Questions about Cape gooseberry (goldenberry)
- How far apart should I plant Cape gooseberry (goldenberry)?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft).
- Does Cape gooseberry (goldenberry) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Cape gooseberry (goldenberry) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Cape gooseberry (goldenberry)?
- It tolerates about -1 °C (30 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Cape gooseberry (goldenberry) flower?
- About 10–14 weeks after planting, for 17–29 weeks.
- Is Cape gooseberry (goldenberry) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Leaves and unripe fruit contain solanine-type alkaloids and withanolides that can upset the stomach.
- What grows well with Cape gooseberry (goldenberry)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Cape gooseberry (goldenberry). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- A short-lived, frost-tender perennial (about 3 years); grown as an annual where winters are cold. It can seed freely and naturalise in mild climates.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Tomato Solanum lycopersicum
- Cherry tomato Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme
- Potato Solanum tuberosum
- Bell pepper Capsicum annuum
- Eggplant (aubergine) Solanum melongena
- Chili pepper Capsicum annuum (hot types)
- Petunia Petunia x hybrida
- Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica