Cape Gooseberries

From Hudson Valley Seed Company. Purchased in 2024.

Description and growing instructions below from Hudson Valley Seeds.

Tiny pre-wrapped fruits with intense fruity flavor

Also known as Peruvian Ground Cherry. Not botanically a gooseberry, but a member of the genus Physalis - which includes tomatillos, as well as the recently re-popularized Physalis pruinosa (such as our Aunt Molly's Ground Cherry). More tart than Aunt Molly's, but beloved by those fond of strong, sour, earthy flavors. Rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C to boot.

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS.

Grow like tomatoes: sow indoors 3-8 weeks before last frost, then transplant after frost. Can be slow to germinate; need heat. Grows rapidly and with much branching once transplanted. Becomes a bushy plant; may require support to keep outer branches aloft. Harvest fruit once husks turn golden and become papery and brittle., when it's ripe and delicious. Immature fruit are not tasty.