Plant guide

Cape Gooseberry.

Physalis peruviana

Pronounced fy-SAL-is per-oo-vee-AH-nah

Also known as Cape-Goosberry, Cape-gooseberry, Cherry Tomato, Gooseberry Tomato, Love Apple

The Cape gooseberry is a delightful plant that produces sweet, tart orange berries wrapped in papery husks. It is a member of the nightshade family and grows as a tender perennial in warm climates. You will love how easy it is to grow these tasty treats in your own garden.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 3 to 4 feet
Growth rate: Fast

Care

Give this plant plenty of sun and consistent moisture to keep it happy. Watch for wilting leaves as a sign that it needs a drink. Ensure the soil drains well so the roots do not sit in water.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back leggy branches to encourage a bushier shape.
Repotting: Repot when the plant becomes root bound or stops growing.
Soil: Well draining sandy or loamy soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0

Safety

Pets: The unripe fruit and foliage are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

How to identify it

Heart shaped velvety leaves
Bright orange berries inside papery husks
Yellow bell shaped flowers with dark spots
Soft hairy stems and foliage

Science

Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Physalis
Order: Solanales
Class: Magnoliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Is your cape gooseberry looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.