ABOUT: Cape Gooseberry

A wild growing plant that provides a lot of yellow fruits embedded into Chinese lanterns appearance. It grows wonderfully in temperate and tropical regions. They are a member of the Solanaceae family. Contains Vitamin C, K and beta-carotene. They have a large number of edible plants including the bringals (eggplants), tomatoes, potatoes, goji berries, bell peppers, chilli peppers and other members of the nightshade.

Scientific Name: Physalis peruviana

They have small yellow non-scented flowers with black halfway on its petals. They show a showy appearance from further distance and an attractive appeal to the garden too.

The fruit has a tangy sweet and sour taste which is yellow when ripe and is remove by hand gently when harvested.

These can be used for making sauces, chutney, jams, into pies, puddings/desserts, in and on ice cream, dried cape gooseberry snacks, with cheese starters and used in fresh salads or fruit salads.

This plant grows extremely well for hedges, shrubs/bushes and trained creepers.

Propagation method:

Cuttings

1. Take semi-hard cutting at 7 cm/2½ inches.
2. Allow the cutting to dry for at least a day.
3. Use rooting hormone to coat the bottom of the stem where you cut it.
4. This will boost its growth and prevent root rotting.
5. Plant into seedling pots filled with coco peat/well drained compost soil.
6. Place in a sheltered area under direct sunlight (e.g. garage/patio/bathroom).
7. Water moderately.
8. Bring the plant outside to a protected area such as between other plants, under car ports etc.
9. This will help it build vascular strength in its stem so it does not become sensitive to the wind and become damaged easily.

Seeds

1. When harvesting ripe yellow seeds.
2. Simple squash open a few of your cape gooseberries until you see seeds.
3. Dig a shallow hole and pop the squashed cape gooseberries into the holes.
4. Water moderately and you’ll see them popping out the ground later on.

Transplant Method:

1. Once the plant has established itself and looks healthy.
2. Dig your hole where you wish to plant it, remember this grows wild, it needs lots of space. ( recommended for open spaces, slopes, cliffs,nearby lakes/ponds/creeks etc)
3. Remove your plant from the plant carefully and place it into the hole you just dug.
4. If you have volcanic ash on site, give it a dash of it to boost its growth.
5. Cover it up and make a well near it to catch rain water/water when it can.