General
Physalis (cape gooseberry/ground cherry) is a warm-season Solanaceae bearing sweet, citrusy berries inside a papery husk. Physalis peruviana tends to be taller (80–150 cm) and benefits from staking; Physalis pruinosa (‘ground cherry’) is more compact (30–60 cm) with earlier ripening, better for short seasons. Plants tolerate some drought but set best with steady moisture and heat. In cool climates, grow in a greenhouse or against a south-facing wall for reliable ripening. The husk turns papery and tan to golden as fruits mature; ripe berries often drop to the ground when ready.
Light
Full sun; at least 6–8 hours of direct light daily. In cooler regions, a warm, sheltered, south-facing spot or greenhouse is ideal.
Soil type
Well-drained, fertile sandy or loamy soil enriched with compost. Avoid heavy, waterlogged clay. Mulch to keep soil warm and evenly moist.
Water requirement
Moderate and consistent. Keep evenly moist but never soggy; allow the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings.
Nutrient requirement
Moderate. Start with compost-rich soil; avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes foliage at the expense of fruit. Use a balanced feed early, then a potassium-rich feed during flowering and fruiting.
Precultivation
Sow 6–8 weeks before the last frost (mid-March to mid-April). Use a sterile seed mix at 20–25°C for germination (7–14 days). Provide strong light immediately after emergence to prevent legginess. Pot on once true leaves appear; plant deeply to encourage adventitious roots. Harden off for 7–10 days when nights consistently exceed 8–10°C.
Planting
Transplant when days are warm and nights reliably above 10–12°C. Spacing: 45–60 cm between plants and 70–90 cm between rows. Choose a warm, sheltered site with full sun and good drainage. For P. peruviana, provide a stake or cage; lightly mulch to warm soil and conserve moisture. Water in well and apply a thin compost layer around the root zone.
Pruning
Minimal pruning needed. For tall P. peruviana, remove low leaves touching soil and lightly thin congested interior shoots to improve airflow. Pinch soft tips in early summer to encourage branching if plants are leggy. Do not over-thin; fruit forms on current-season growth.
Maintenance
Maintain even moisture with deep, infrequent watering. Mulch with straw or leaf mold once soil is warm. Feed lightly every 3–4 weeks in May–July: balanced early, then potassium-rich (e.g., comfrey tea) from first flowers. In greenhouses, ventilate well to reduce humidity and whitefly. Scout for aphids, whitefly, and spider mites; control organically using sticky traps, beneficial insects, or gentle soap sprays. Remove weeds and fallen plant debris; rotate beds yearly.
Harvest
Harvest when husks turn papery and beige-gold; berries inside turn golden-orange and taste sweet with tart notes. Many ripe fruits drop naturally—collect from clean mulch. Store in their husks, dry and cool, for 2–4 weeks. Protect from early autumn chills to extend harvest; cloches or greenhouse culture greatly improves ripening in cooler regions.
Common issues
Slow or poor set in cool weather—wait for warmer conditions, use greenhouse, and hand-shake flowers. Excess nitrogen causes leafy growth and late fruiting—reduce N and increase K. Blossom drop from drought or heat spikes—water consistently and mulch. Pests: aphids, whitefly, spider mites; manage with biological controls and good airflow. Disease risk increases with repeated Solanaceae in the same bed; rotate and avoid overhead watering.
Rotation schedule
Rotate away from all Solanaceae for 3–4 years. Follow heavy feeders with legumes or leafy greens, and precede physalis with well-composted beds. Avoid planting after potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, or eggplant to reduce soil-borne disease carryover.
Pollination
Self-fertile; insect-pollinated. In greenhouses, gently shake plants midday to improve fruit set.
Companion plants
Basil, marigold (Tagetes), calendula, onions, garlic, chives, nasturtium (as a trap crop).
Incompatible plants
Potatoes and other Solanaceae (tomato, pepper, eggplant) in the same bed year-to-year due to shared pests and diseases. Avoid fennel nearby.
