Cape gooseberry
Physalis peruviana
Also known asPichuberry · Inca berry · Golden berry · Aguaymanto · Uchuva · Poha berry (Hawaii)
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates. Strict on light; outside the DLI band, yields drop sharply.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 8–11 (winter low around -12°C)
- Frost
- frost sensitive (dies at first frost)
- Season
- warm (summer, frost-sensitive)
Growing systems
Root mass: heavy. Thin-channel systems can't hold this crop.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Perlite (Expanded volcanic glass) | neutral / inert | very low | low |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1.2 |
| vegetative | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1.8 |
| flowering | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| fruiting | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2.2 |
Companion-growing notes
- Heavy uptake of potassium. Co-grown crops with the same demand will end up deficient even at "correct" EC.
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
A productive, relatively easy hydroponic crop. The plant is a sprawling, semi-woody perennial grown as an annual in cool climates, reaching 1–1.5 m. Use Dutch bucket, large deep water culture or media beds with staking or caging. Hold EC around 1.6-2.4 mS/cm and pH 6.0-6.5. Grow at 15–28°C; it tolerates a wider range than tomatoes, and cooler nights below 15°C help fruit set. Give moderate to high light, 20-30 mol/m2/day. It is self-pollinating, and a gentle shake improves set indoors. First harvest comes 70 to 90 days from transplant, then it fruits continuously, each berry ripening inside its husk over two to three weeks. Pick when the husk turns papery and tan and the berry inside is golden. Each plant gives 100 to 200 or more berries, and the husked fruit stores well at room temperature, which eases handling. Pest and disease pressure is low, making it one of the more trouble-free nightshades, and the fruit fetches premium prices.