Physalis Peruviana-Cape Gooseberry

An interesting plant that I am selling seed for is Cape Gooseberry, or physalis peruviana.

I fell in love with the taste of the fruit this plant bears many years ago when I received seed from the incredible Kokopelli organization in France.

Up until then I was familiar with the physalis pruinosa varieties, as in ground cherries, but this one blew me away.

This intensely flavoured fruit has a tropical taste, tart but highly addictive; it is really not at all similar in comparison to it's milder flavoured ground cherry counterpart.

The plant as well has different requirements. As one would expect from a plant that is native to Peru, it does require a long growing season. I generally start these indoors in mid-March, and the harvest pay-off is not until September in our climate.

But I do consider myself lucky. I think in many other parts of Canada, growing these would just be a pipe-dream, so I am glad I live in the banana belt I do.

They do however have some degree of frost resistance, and once picked will sit on your kitchen counter for months- and remain awesome!

Great to just pop in your mouth, they are also delish as preserves. If you can resist eating them before you get to the stage of making preserves.

Add an international flair to your garden this year-try this Peruvian gem!