Goldenberry (Cape Gooseberry)
Physalis peruviana • Solanaceae Family
Goldenberry is a unique fruit-bearing plant that produces sweet-tart berries enclosed in papery husks. Also known as Cape Gooseberry or Inca Berry, this herbaceous perennial shrub is related to tomatoes and produces hundreds of golden fruits per season.
Best Propagation Method
Seed Germination - Easy and reliable with abundant seeds!
Papery Husks
Each berry is protected by a decorative papery husk that extends shelf life
Super Productive
A single plant can produce 200-300+ berries per growing season
Vitamin Powerhouse
High in vitamins A and C, plus antioxidants and dietary fiber
Container Friendly
Thrives in pots and makes an excellent patio or balcony plant
Seed Germination
Most common method - seeds are abundant and readily sprout
Pros:
- Easy to obtain seeds
- High germination rate
- Many seeds per fruit
Cons:
- Variable germination timing
- Need warm conditions
- Slower than cuttings
Stem Cuttings
Only about 33% success rate but gives mature plants faster
Pros:
- Faster mature plants
- Clone of parent
- Earlier fruiting
Cons:
- Low success rate (~33%)
- Need existing plant
- More technical
Propagating from Seeds
Collect seeds from ripe goldenberries or purchase from a reliable source. Each berry contains many tiny seeds.
Clean seeds thoroughly by removing all fruit pulp. Rinse them and let dry on a paper towel for a day.
Fill small nursery pots or seed trays with light, well-draining potting mix or seed-starting mix.
Sow seeds on the surface or barely cover with a thin layer of soil - they need light to germinate properly.
Place pots in a warm location (70-80°F / 21-27°C) and keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Cover with clear plastic or dome to maintain humidity, checking moisture daily and misting as needed.
Place in bright, indirect light until germination occurs (can be a few days to several weeks).
Once seedlings emerge, move to stronger light (sunny window or grow light) and remove plastic covering.
When seedlings develop true leaves and are large enough to handle, transplant to individual pots.
Harden off gradually over 7-10 days before transplanting outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
Space plants 2-3 feet apart in a sunny, well-drained location and water thoroughly after planting.
Propagating from Stem Cuttings
Select healthy, non-flowering shoots about 4-6 inches long from an existing plant in spring or fall.
Cut diagonally just below a leaf node using clean, sharp pruning shears.
Remove flowers, fruit, and lower leaves, leaving 2-3 leaves at the top of the cutting.
Optional: Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to improve success rate (though only ~33% may root).
Insert cutting 1-2 inches deep into moist potting mix in a small pot, firming soil around the stem.
Cover with clear plastic bag or dome to maintain humidity, using stakes to keep plastic off leaves.
Place in bright, indirect light at 70-75°F (21-24°C) and keep soil consistently moist.
Mist regularly and check for root development after a few weeks by gently tugging for resistance.
Once rooted, gradually remove plastic covering over several days to acclimate the cutting.
If taken in fall, overwinter indoors in a bright spot and transplant outside in spring after hardening off.
Light Requirements
Full sun is ideal for best fruiting, though plants tolerate partial shade. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot for outdoor planting.
Watering
Water regularly to keep soil slightly moist - the plant has 'a real thirst' but avoid waterlogging. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining sandy or loamy soil is ideal. Actually thrives in moderate or poor soil - overly rich soil leads to foliage at expense of fruit.
Temperature
Prefers 65-80°F (18-27°C). Not frost-hardy - temperatures at or below 30°F (-1°C) will kill the plant. Treat as annual in temperate regions.
Spring
- Start seeds indoors
- Transplant after frost
- Begin regular watering
Summer
- Peak growing season
- Flowering begins
- Provide support if needed
Fall
- Harvest ripe berries
- Take cuttings for overwintering
- Collect seeds
Winter
- Overwinter cuttings indoors
- Plan next season
- Store harvested fruits
Aphids & Whiteflies
MediumCommon pests especially on indoor plants - cause yellowing leaves
Prevention: Regular inspection, insecticidal soap, good airflow
Root Rot
HighCaused by waterlogged soil - plant wilts and collapses
Prevention: Ensure excellent drainage, avoid overwatering, use well-draining soil
Bird Damage
MediumBirds enjoy the sweet berries and may steal ripe fruits
Prevention: Use netting or row covers, harvest frequently when ripe
Each healthy plant can produce 200-300+ berries per season - incredibly productive for such a small plant!
Fruits store 1-3 weeks at room temperature when left in their protective papery husks
Only eat ripe (golden-orange) berries - green unripe fruits and leaves contain solanine and can be toxic
Perfect for containers! Use at least a 5-gallon pot and provide support as plants can reach 6 feet tall
'Thrives on neglect' - too much fertilizer encourages leaves over fruit production
Self-pollinating flowers mean one plant can produce fruit, but gentle shaking helps improve fruit set
Take cuttings in fall to overwinter indoors, giving you mature plants ready for early production next season
High in vitamins A and C - can be eaten fresh, dried into 'raisins', or made into jams and chutneys
Birds love the berries! Use netting if needed, though the papery husks help disguise the fruit somewhat
Support tall plants with stakes or tomato cages - the brittle stems can break under the weight of numerous fruits