Cape Gooseberry Seeds - Large Fruit - Golden Berry - Ground Cherry - Physalis peruviana

8, 9, 10, 11

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

Here are comprehensive planting instructions for Cape Gooseberry seeds:
Starting Seeds Indoors (Recommended)
Timing:

Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost
Start seeds 3-8 weeks before last frost, then transplant after frost

Seed Preparation & Sowing:

Seeds do not require any treatment (soaking, stratification) before sowing
Plant 3 seeds per plant and cover lightly with 1/16 inch of soil
Sow seeds 4mm deep
Cover seeds barely with soil as they need light to germinate

Germination Conditions:

Keep moist until germination at 75°F
Seeds should germinate in 14-42 days at soil temperature of 70-85°F
Seeds can take 2-6 weeks to germinate
Can be slow to germinate; need consistent heat

Seedling Care:

Once seedlings sprout, ensure they receive plenty of light by placing on a sunny windowsill or 3-4 inches below fluorescent plant lights
Transplant to individual pots when seedlings reach 2-4 leaf stage using good seeding mix with organic material

Direct Seeding Outdoors
Timing:

Start directly in garden after all danger of frost has passed
Do not sow seeds outside until soil temperature reaches at least 60°F

Transplanting
When to Transplant:

Once all risk of frost has passed, plant young plants outdoors
Harden off outside slowly until acclimatized before planting out

Spacing & Location:

Space plants 12-40 inches apart
Choose location with 6-8 hours of daily sunlight
Will also grow in partial shade

Planting Tips:

Transplant in early morning or evening on overcast days
Avoid planting at peak sun times or on windy days

Soil & Site Requirements
Soil Preferences:

Performs best in light, fertile, well-draining soil rich in organic matter
Soil pH of 5.1-6.0 is ideal
Will grow in wide range of soils from sandy to clay
Must have good drainage

Container Growing
Container Requirements:

Use good quality potting mix
Minimum 75-liter container recommended
Ensure at least 6 hours daily sunlight
Container must have drainage holes

Care After Planting
Watering:

Keep soil lightly moist until germination
Allow soil to feel dry to touch before watering
Never let soil become waterlogged

Support:

Plants may need staking for support
Bushy plants require support to keep outer branches upright

Harvest Timeline:

Ready to harvest in approximately 140 days from seed
Plants mature in 90-120 days
Fruit ready when husks turn brown and papery

The key to success is starting early indoors in most climates, providing consistent warmth for germination, and ensuring frost protection!