The cape gooseberry is a low growing shrub with its bright orange berry enclosed in a pale brown parchment-like case called the Cape. The berry is the size of a cherry tomato is very aromatic and full of tiny seeds. They are delicious eaten straight from the Cape or made into gooseberry Jam. They can be added to salads, desserts and cooked dishes, they are delicious stewed with apples or dipped in chocolate. They can also be dried or used in savoury dishes with meats and seafood. The small cucumber beetle also enjoys feasting on the cape gooseberry although they munch only on the leaves. Hand pick any beetles that you see as they are capable of breeding into large numbers very quickly.Weed Warning: This old time favourite is very easy to grow. Birds and critters will enjoy its sweet fruit and it can be found growing in both native vegetation areas and occasionally in pasture areas. It is not a dominant weed but it can be somewhat of a nuisance when working to restore native vegetation areas. Native to South America

Currently 10-15cms tall.

Preferred ClimateSubtropical

Grown FromSeedling

Max Height (when in the ground with good conditions)1-2m

Plants required to Pollinate1 (Self Pollinating)

Can it Handle Frosts?Yes

Amount of leaves in Winter?All Leaves (Evergreen)

Quarantine Restrictions to these AreasWA

Suitability in PotsYes

Water RequirementsDrought Hardy (Little Watering)

Time to Fruit/Flower/HarvestFirst Year

Sun or ShadeFull (Sun:80%-100%)

Preferred Soil TypeGood Drainage

Soil pHModerately Acidic (5.5-6.5)

Fruiting/Harvest MonthsFebruary, March, April, May, June