Peruvian Ground Cherry

Peruvian Ground Cherry (Physalis peruviana), also known as Cape Gooseberry, produces small, sweet, tangy orange fruits encased in a papery husk. The flavour is reminiscent of pineapple and tomato. This tender perennial (H1C), usually grown as an annual in the UK, forms a bushy plant up to 1m tall and 70cm wide. Small yellow, bell-shaped flowers appear in summer, followed by fruits ripening from late summer to autumn. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil, ideally in a sheltered spot or greenhouse in cooler regions. The fruits are delicious fresh or in jams and desserts.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil.

Hardiness: H1C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.