Physalis peruviana CAPE GOOSEBERRY (20 seeds)

Cape gooseberry, also known as Peruvian inca berry, is an annual plant belonging to the Solanaceae family.
Native to the Americas, it is also known as "Maracaibo," named after the city in Venezuela. Fast-growing, it generally reaches 1.50 m in height.
It is a non-hardy plant but is very easy to cultivate.

The flowering of the Cape gooseberry begins very early in the year, from the beginning of May until the first winter frosts. The bell-shaped flowers are yellow with a distinct spotted black center.

Physalis peruviana seeds are flat, smooth, yellow, and measure an average of 2 millimeters in diameter.

The edible fruits are round, smooth, juicy, and have a slightly acidic flavor. They are beautiful orange berries that remain inside their papery husks and can be stored at room temperature for 30 to 45 days. The harvest takes place from the beginning of August until the first frosts.

- Use:

Physalis produces very decorative fruits. It is mainly used in cooking, pastry making, and as a garnish in exotic gourmet restaurants.
This superfruit has multiple health benefits; the antioxidants present in this physalis can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases as well as heart disease.
Do not use for medicinal purposes without seeking medical advice.

- Germination and Sowing of Seeds:

• The best period to sow the Cape gooseberry is starting in April.
• Prepare a tray of horticultural potting soil.
• Sprinkle the seeds on top without covering them, spacing them 2 cm apart.
• Water the culture gently with a small sprayer.
• Place the culture in a greenhouse at a temperature of approximately 30°C.
• Germination will generally begin 3 to 5 weeks after planting.
• Once the seedlings are 7 to 10 cm tall, they can be pricked out into separate 10 cm pots or transplanted directly into the garden.

- Soil Type/Substrate:

The Cape gooseberry grows in a fresh substrate rich in organic matter. From the time of planting, it is important to provide many nutrients so that it can develop well. Once well-rooted, this plant grows quickly and easily in all types of soil.

- Exposure/Light:

To benefit from an abundant harvest, it is important to plant the Peruvian inca berry in full sun.

- Cultivation Temperature/Hardiness:

Physalis peruviana grows very well when temperatures range between 25 and 35°C. Below this temperature, the plant grows much slower. The Cape gooseberry is unfortunately not hardy; it is frost-sensitive and must be brought indoors for winter or grown as an annual plant.

- Watering/Irrigation:

During planting, the Cape gooseberry plant must be well-irrigated at the base every 2 days for 2 weeks. Once well-established, watering will not be necessary except in cases of extreme heat.

- Multiplication/Propagation:

The fastest and most effective way is by sowing its seeds. It can also be propagated very easily by cuttings in summer, by taking a 15 cm long stem segment and placing it in a humid, confined environment ("à l'étouffée").

- Pests/Diseases:

The Cape gooseberry plant is not very sensitive to pest attacks, except for a few whiteflies and aphids. Regarding diseases, it is susceptible to powdery mildew during periods of heavy rain.

- Maintenance:

As soon as the physalis harvest is over, pull up the plant or move it into a greenhouse or veranda before the first frosts.