Family: Solanaceae
Scientific name: Physanis peruviana
Common name: Cape gooseberry / Goldenberry
Origin: Andes

The Cape gooseberry or Goldenberry is originally from the Andes, but also grows well as an annual plant in the garden in temperate regions. Already in the 18th century the plant was cultivated by inhabitants of Cape of Good Hope for its delicious fruits. Thereafter the plant was also introduced in Australia and New Zealand, and other parts of the world. The orange fruits are 1-2 cm, resemble a small tomato and are vitamin-rich. The fruits are enclosed by brown sepals that have continued to grow after flowering. The fruits are protected by the sepals until they burst open in order to present the fruit to dispersers. The deliciously sweet/sour fruits can be eaten directly from the plant, or can be processed in for example jams or salads. Although the plant grows well as an annual, it can also be kept during the winter at a minimum of 10 degC until the next year.

Sowing description:
Sow the seeds indoors in sowing mix during the spring. Keep the soil moist constantly and let the seeds germinate at room temperature.

Sowing time: February – may
Difficulty: Easy
Minimum temperature: 10 degrees Celsius (annual)