Cape gooseberry (Physalis)

Physalis peruviana

Sprawling South American perennial grown as an annual in cool climates. Sweet-tart golden fruit wrapped in papery husks.

Hardiness ratings

Cape gooseberry (Physalis) hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 8–11 −12.2 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H4 −10 °C to −5 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 8–9 −7 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 4–7 0 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Self-seeds prolifically in cool climates — often re-emerges from dropped fruit
  • Fruit ripens when husks turn beige and dry

Pet caution: Cape gooseberry (Physalis) is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Cape gooseberry (Physalis) against your zones

Reference

Cape gooseberry (Physalis) on Wikipedia