Cape gooseberries
Golden, sweet-tart fruits wrapped in papery husks; a rewarding greenhouse crop.
Cape gooseberries seeds
£2.49 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
February–April indoors
Plant out
Pick when husks turn papery and fruits drop; grow frost-free.
Harvest
August–October
Conditions
Sun
Full sun, 6–8 hours a day
Water
Keep soil consistently moist; they are less tolerant of drought than tomatoes.
Soil
Rich, free-draining, pH 6.0–7.0
Spacing
60-90cm between plants. Plant at least two for good pollination.
Containers
Excellent in large pots (min. 30cm diameter) or grow bags. Provide support.
Indoors
Can be grown in a greenhouse or a sunny, sheltered spot outdoors in the UK.
Care and harvest
Feeding
Once fruits start to set, feed weekly with a high-potash tomato feed.
Pruning
Pinch out side shoots similar to indeterminate tomatoes, or allow to sprawl and provide support. Support plants with canes.
Harvesting
Pick when husks turn papery and fruits drop; grow frost-free.
Storage
Store in their husks in the fridge for several weeks, or process into salsa and freeze.
Good companions: Marigolds, Carrots, Peppers, Onions