Cape Gooseberry

Growing

You can start these plants from seed, but one-year-old stem cuttings encourage early flowering and a larger harvest. When preparing your garden bed or container, use slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 to mimic their native South American habitat. Because these compact bushes are sensitive to cold, transplant them only once the soil has warmed and the danger of frost has passed, as even a light freeze will kill the plant.

Check young plants for cutworms, which can destroy seedlings in the nursery or seedbed. As the plant matures, you may also encounter red spider mites or whiteflies, so inspect regularly. If you are planting near potato crops, watch for the potato tuber moth, which can migrate to your gooseberries. To protect the harvest from birds, you might use netting once the fruit begins to develop.

Unlike many other garden fruits, these berries do not continue to ripen once they are removed from the plant. Harvest them when they are fully mature and ready to use. Once picked, keep the fruit unwashed to prevent premature spoilage. For longer storage, keep your harvest in a cool, dark cellar or dry the berries.