Cape gooseberry (Peruvian groundcherry) Schönbrunner Gold, organic seeds
Physalis peruviana
Schönbrunner Gold is a Cape gooseberry variety with golden, sweet, aromatic fruits. The berries keep well after harvest, and the plant grows tall and productive — it benefits from staking and a sunny, sheltered position.QUICK INFO
Type: Cape gooseberry / golden berry / Peruvian groundcherry
Fruits: golden-yellow, sweet flavour with a pleasant aroma
Keeping quality: excellent — stores very well in cool conditions
Plant height: vigorous, about 150–200 cm, needs support
Germination: up to 14 days (warm, evenly moist soil)
Start indoors: 6–8 weeks before transplanting outside
Pricking out: at 2-leaf stage, space seedlings about 5 cm apart
Where to grow: greenhouse / conservatory / outdoors (sunny, sheltered spot)
Soil: humus-rich; add plenty of compost before planting
Soil pH: about 5.5–7.0
Watering: avoid wetting foliage; water deeply about once a week (moist ~15 cm deep)
Mulch: helps keep moisture stable
In pack: see the packet
DESCRIPTION
Cape gooseberry Schönbrunner Gold is loved for its flavour and long storage. The fruits develop inside papery husks, and ripeness is often signalled by the fruits dropping from the plant. If you need to harvest partially ripe fruits in autumn, they can be stored at near-zero (above freezing) temperatures for months — sometimes even into spring.
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before moving plants outside. Keep warm and evenly moist for germination. Once seedlings have two true leaves, prick out to give them room to develop strong roots. Before planting outdoors, harden off gradually by taking plants outside for a couple of hours each day and increasing time slowly.
This plant thrives in rich soil: add compost generously before planting. Water deeply but not too often, and avoid splashing water on leaves. Mulching is very helpful for keeping moisture consistent.
Kitchen use: salads, desserts, salsas, jams and preserves. If you wish, pour hot water over the fruits briefly before use to remove a light waxy coating.
Note: Cape gooseberry can self-seed if ripe berries fall to the ground — be careful when weeding so you don’t pull young seedlings by mistake.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I grow it outdoors?
Yes, in a sunny, sheltered location. A greenhouse is the most reliable, but warm summers can work outdoors too.
When should I start seeds?
Start indoors 6–8 weeks before transplanting outside.
How long does germination take?
Up to 14 days in warm, evenly moist conditions.
How do I know the fruits are ripe?
Often by fruit drop and the husk drying and turning papery.
Does it need staking?
Yes — it can reach 150–200 cm, and support keeps plants healthier and easier to harvest.
Can light frost affect flavour?
A small, light frost in autumn can improve flavour, but protect the plant from hard frost.
Packet 10 seeds
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