Physalis peruviana Cape gooseberries

Planting position: Full sun. Spacing of 60cm between plants and 1,5m between north facing rows.
Requires regular watering until established. Water thereafter when needed. Well-draining, compost-enriched loamy soil with added 500g of superphosphate p.m ². Generous layers of mulching. Plant seedlings out in late summer, or when there is no longer a threat of frost. Sow seeds late winter, or when there is no longer a thread of frost.
Propagate from seed.
Fertilising programme after planting: Apply 150g of NPK 2:3:2, well away from the stem.
Harvesting is done when the surrounding calyx is light brown and almost dry, the fruit inside should be yellow.
Pests, diseases and their cures: Corn ear worm - spray with endosulfan on developing fruit; Spider mites - Spray with dicofol.

This easy-to-grow perennial, berry plant is usually up to 1m high and also known as the Chinese lantern plant. The golden berries, surrounded by an enlarged calyx, are popularly used in pies and jams.