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How to Grow Cape Gooseberry in Western Australia

Daniel Dohrman · May 2, 2022 ·

The cape gooseberry belongs to the nightshade family. It has got to be one of the easiest fruits to grow in the garden and is self-pollinating. It has heart shaped leaves and produces small round edible berries inside of husks. The plants seem to survive on neglect and yet produce bountiful of fruit. The cape gooseberry has a very wide culinary use from jam, chutney, salads, and pies.

The cape gooseberry is very hardy and easy plant to grow
The cape gooseberry is very hardy and easy plant to grow

How to Plant a Cape Gooseberry

Cape gooseberry plants can either be germinated from seed or you can buy an established plant from a nursery. Cape gooseberry does germinate very easily.

Where to Plant your Cape Gooseberry

Cape gooseberry plants love full sun, grow to between 1-2m in height and are normally grown as an annual, but it also can be over wintered. They can grow well in the ground and pots.

Cape gooseberry are self pollinated like tomatoes
Cape gooseberry are self pollinated like tomatoes

How to Care for Cape Gooseberry

The cape gooseberry doesn’t require much other than a bit of mulch to cover the surface root, a bit of compost to keep the soil alive and moist, and consistent watering. Prune plant back after fruiting and cut out any dead, diseased, or damaged growth. Tip prune the plant during its growth season to encourage a bushy growth.

The cape gooseberry fruit is hidden behind the cape. Once the cape dries out the fruit is ready
The cape gooseberry fruit is hidden behind the cape. Once the cape dries out the fruit is ready

How do I know if a Cape Gooseberry is ripe?

The brown papery bell-shaped husks will turn brown and when you open the husk you will see the fruit are a yellow/orange color. They can be eaten at this stage however we prefer them when they turn a brighter orange color as we find them sweeter.

We made cape gooseberry and rhubarb pie, try it and tell us what you think?

Filed Under: In The Garden Tagged With: cape gooseberry, easy, pie

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