Plant Profile

Physalis peruvianaPhysalis peruviana

The Andean berry (Physalis peruviana), also known as the Cape gooseberry or goldenberry, is a fascinating fruit plant native to the Andes of South America. It grows as an annual or short-lived perennial shrub, producing small, bright yellow to orange fruits enclosed in a papery husk. These fruits have a unique sweet-tart flavor with tropical notes and are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. In cooler climates, it is typically grown as an annual due to its frost sensitivity. Sowing is done indoors in spring, with transplanting outdoors after the last frost. It prefers a warm, sunny, and wind-sheltered location with well-draining, humus-rich soil. Regular but moderate watering and nutrient supply are important. The harvest season extends from summer to autumn, until the first frost.

FruitBerriesFruit vegetablesNightshade family
Calendar
Physalis peruviana (Physalis peruviana): plant portrait - Fruit, Nightshade family, Harvest July - October
Physalis peruviana: plant portrait. harvest: July - October.

Quick profile

Key data

Growing calendar
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Indoor sowing
Planting outdoors
Harvest
Indoor sowingPlanting outdoorsHarvest

Good neighbors

BasilMarigoldNasturtiumLegumes

Avoid

PotatotomatoEggplant

Indoor & direct sowing

Physalis peruviana: Sowing and germination

Indoor sowing

Start sowing indoors from late February to April.

Direct sowing outdoors

Direct sowing is not recommended due to the plant's long growing season.

Seed depth0.5 - 1 cm
Germination temp20 - 25 °C
Germination time10 - 20 days
Light germinatorNo
Dark germinatorYes
Cold germinatorNo
Stratification neededNo
Pre-soaking recommendedNo

Planting & site

Physalis peruviana: Planting and spacing

Planting outdoors

Plant outdoors or in a greenhouse after the last frost, from mid-May onwards.

Plant spacing50 - 70 cm
Row spacing60 - 80 cm
Plants per m²2 - 3 per m²
Bed widthfrom 100 cm

Site & practical notes

Note: The Andean berry requires a long growing season. Start seedlings indoors to extend the harvest period.Note: Plant the Andean berry outdoors only after the last frost, as it is very sensitive to frost.Note: Ensure a warm, sunny, and wind-sheltered location. Absolutely avoid waterlogging.Note: Fruits are ripe when they have reached their full yellow color and detach easily from the husk.Note: If frost is imminent, plants with unripe fruits can be brought indoors to ripen.Note: The plant can become bushy and may require support.Note: Watch out for pests like aphids and spider mites, especially in dry weather.Note: The fruits are edible raw and versatile in the kitchen.

Temperature & frost

Physalis peruviana: Temperature and site

Growing temperaturefrom 15 °C
Optimal temperature20 - 25 °C
Max. heatup to 30 °C
Soil temperature20 - 22 °C
Frost sensitiveYes
Late frost sensitiveYes
Heat tolerancemedium
Cold tolerancelow

Water & nutrients

Physalis peruviana: Water, nutrients and care

Watermedium
Critical water phasesFlowering, Fruit development
Watering methodat the base
Droughtmedium
Waterlogging sensitiveYes
Mulching recommendedYes
Nutrient needmedium_feeder
Compost recommendedYes
Fertilizer sensitivitylow

Container & growth

Physalis peruviana: Container, support and growth

Container suitableYes
Pot sizeVolume: from 10 l; Recommended: from 20 l; Diameter: from 30 cm; Depth: from 30 cm
SupportYes; 50 - 100 cm
Height60 - 120 cm
Width50 - 80 cm
Yield100 - 300 g

Year plan

Physalis peruviana Calendar

Plants

The harvest season for the Andean berry extends from mid-summer to the first frost, during which the fruits develop their full sweetness.

Year overview
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Indoor sowing
Planting outdoors
Harvest

Recurring tasks

Sowing indoorsFebruary - March
Indoors, warm conditions: Sow in seed trays or pots.
Water and fertilize regularlyJuly - August
Growing season, warm weather: Maintain consistent soil moisture, fertilize every 2-4 weeks.

Relevant now

June

  • Planting out into the open ground or greenhouseSoil warmed, no frost risk: If not already done, plant outdoors.
  • Install supports if necessaryPlants growing taller: Install stakes or trellises before plants become too large.

Next up

July

  • Monitor for pests and diseasesGrowing season: Regular inspection and treatment if necessary.

Monthly tasks

Single tasks from monthly data; repeated seasonal windows are shown in the overview above.

Direct sowingPlantingHarvestGrowingPlant health

January

Quiet month

February

No additional single task

March

No additional single task

April

Pricking out seedlingsSowing indoors

Direct sowing

  • Pricking out seedlingsSeedlings have developed true leaves: Transplant seedlings into individual pots.
  • Sowing indoorsIndoors, warm conditions: Last sowing indoors if needed.

May

Planting out into the open ground or greenhouseProtection against late frosts

Planting

  • Planting out into the open ground or greenhouseAfter last frost, soil warmed: Harden off seedlings gradually to outdoor temperatures.

Growing

  • Protection against late frostsRisk of frost: Cover young plants if frost is expected.

June

Planting out into the open ground or greenhouseInstall supports if necessary

Planting

  • Planting out into the open ground or greenhouseSoil warmed, no frost risk: If not already done, plant outdoors.

Growing

  • Install supports if necessaryPlants growing taller: Install stakes or trellises before plants become too large.

July

Monitor for pests and diseases

Plant health

  • Monitor for pests and diseasesGrowing season: Regular inspection and treatment if necessary.

August

Harvesting the first fruits

Harvest

  • Harvesting the first fruitsFruits ripe: Harvest the first ripe fruits.

September

Continue harvestingBring indoors before the first frost if needed

Harvest

  • Continue harvestingFruits ripe: Harvest ripe fruits regularly.

Growing

  • Bring indoors before the first frost if neededRisk of frost: Plants with unripe fruits can be brought indoors to ripen.

October

Harvest until the first frost

Harvest

  • Harvest until the first frostBefore first frost: Harvest all ripe fruits before the first frost.

November

Quiet month

December

Quiet month

Flowering & pollination

Physalis peruviana Flowering & pollination

Self-fertility

self-fertile

Pollinator needed

no

Physalis peruviana (Physalis peruviana): 2 for flowering and pollination - Fruit, Nightshade family, Harvest July - October
Physalis peruviana: flowering and pollination. harvest: July - October.

Overview

Physalis peruviana is self-pollinating but benefits from the presence of insects for improved fruit set.

Notes

Although self-pollinating, the presence of bees and other pollinators increases fruit quantity and quality.

Companion guide

Physalis peruviana Companion guide

Companion guide

Good neighbors

BasilMarigoldNasturtiumLegumes

Avoid

PotatotomatoEggplant

Use & storage

Physalis peruviana Use & storage

Harvest

Fruits are ripe when they reach full yellow color and detach easily from the calyx.

Storage

Cool and dry

Storage life

Fresh fruits: 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator. Dried fruits: several months.

Harvest

Fruits are ripe when they reach full yellow color and detach easily from the calyx.

Processing

Cooking into jams and jelliesMaking compotes or chutneysUse in cakes and dessertsDrying for longer storageJuicing

After harvest

Handle fruits carefully to avoid bruising. The papery husk protects the fruit and should remain on until consumption.

Edibility & safety

Physalis peruviana Edibility & safety

For people

In brief: which parts are edible, which parts remain risky, and whether raw consumption makes sense.

Edible parts:Fruit
Caution parts:Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits
Raw consumption:Ripe fruits are edible raw.

Safety notes

The leaves and stems contain alkaloids and are not intended for consumption. Unripe fruits may also have undesirable effects.

Animal safety

For animals, the plant part matters here: suitable parts sit alongside risky parts, and 1 animal profiles carry a cautious or negative rating.

Animal safety by plant part

Each row shows which parts are more suitable and which parts are critical.

Companion animals

Dog icon for animal safety ratingDog

Ripe fruits (without calyx)

Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits

Risk factors

Ingestion of leaves, stems, or unripe fruits, Overconsumption of ripe fruits

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Ripe physalis fruits can be offered in very small quantities as an occasional treat. Leaves, stems, and unripe fruits contain alkaloids and should be considered toxic to dogs. The calyx (husk) should also be removed. Gastrointestinal symptoms may occur if toxic parts are ingested or if ripe fruits are overconsumed.

Open animal page
Cat icon for animal safety ratingCat

No suitable parts listed

Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits

Risk factors

Access to plant parts

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea), Lethargy, Weakness

contact a vet if ingested

Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) belongs to the nightshade family and contains alkaloids in leaves, stems, and unripe fruits that can be toxic to cats. All plant parts except ripe fruits should be kept away from cats. No specific studies on toxicity in cats are available; the classification is based on general plant information and precautions for the Solanaceae family.

Open animal page
Rabbit icon for animal safety ratingRabbit

Ripe fruits (in very small quantities)

Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits

Risk factors

Access to the entire plant, especially leaves and stems, Consumption of unripe fruits

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset (diarrhea), Potentially other symptoms due to alkaloids

contact a vet if symptoms appear

While ripe fruits are considered a treat in very small quantities for some animals, leaves, stems, and unripe fruits contain alkaloids and are not suitable for rabbits. Rabbits are herbivores and may consume these toxic parts.

Open animal page
Guinea pig icon for animal safety ratingGuinea pig

Ripe fruits

Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits

Risk factors

Consumption of large quantities, Consumption of leaves or stems, Consumption of unripe fruits

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea, Vomiting (rare in guinea pigs)

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Ripe fruits can be offered in very small quantities as an occasional treat. Leaves, stems, and unripe fruits contain alkaloids and should not be fed.

Open animal page
Hamster icon for animal safety ratingHamster

Ripe fruits

Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits

Risk factors

Ingestion of leaves, stems, or unripe fruits, Overconsumption of ripe fruits (sugar content)

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Ripe Cape gooseberries can be offered to hamsters in very small quantities as an occasional treat. Leaves, stems, and unripe fruits contain alkaloids and are toxic to hamsters. There are no specific studies on toxicity in hamsters; the classification is based on general plant information and precautions for small rodents.

Open animal page
Budgie icon for animal safety ratingBudgie

Ripe fruits

Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits

Risk factors

Consumption of leaves, stems, or unripe fruits

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Ripe Cape gooseberries can be offered in very small quantities as an occasional treat. Leaves, stems, and unripe fruits contain alkaloids and should not be fed, as they may cause gastrointestinal upset. No specific data for budgies available; classification is based on general plant information and the precautionary principle.

Open animal page

Farm animals

Horse icon for animal safety ratingHorse

Ripe fruits (not recommended as feed, only as a very occasional treat in small quantities)

Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits

Risk factors

Access to plants in pastures or gardens, Consumption of leaves, stems, or unripe fruits

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset (colic, diarrhea), Neurological symptoms (lethargy, weakness, incoordination), Dilated pupils

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Cape gooseberry belongs to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). The leaves, stems, and unripe fruits contain alkaloids that can be toxic to horses, potentially causing gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. Ripe fruits are considered edible for humans but are not a natural part of a horse's diet and should not be fed in large quantities. The risk primarily arises from the ingestion of vegetative plant parts.

Open animal page
Chicken icon for animal safety ratingChicken

Ripe fruits (without calyx)

Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits

Risk factors

Access to the whole plant, especially leaves, stems, and unripe fruits, Consumption of large quantities

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Ripe Cape gooseberry fruits are considered safe for consumption in moderation, but leaves, stems, and unripe fruits contain alkaloids that can be toxic to chickens. The calyx surrounding the fruit should also be removed. Chickens may ingest these toxic parts while foraging.

Open animal page
Duck icon for animal safety ratingDuck

Ripe fruits

Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits

Risk factors

Access to all plant parts, Natural foraging behavior (pecking and grazing)

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Ripe Cape gooseberry fruits are edible for humans and might be safe in very small amounts as an occasional treat for ducks. However, leaves, stems, and unripe fruits contain alkaloids and are considered toxic. As ducks tend to forage and peck, there is a risk they might ingest the toxic plant parts. No specific toxicity data for ducks is available.

Open animal page
Goose icon for animal safety ratingGoose

Ripe fruits (in moderation)

Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits

Risk factors

Consumption of leaves, stems, or unripe fruits, Large quantities

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

Ripe Cape gooseberry fruits may be safe for geese in small quantities as a treat. However, leaves, stems, and unripe fruits contain alkaloids and are considered toxic. As geese are grazers, there is a high risk of them consuming the toxic plant parts.

Open animal page
Sheep icon for animal safety ratingSheep

Ripe fruits (not recommended as feed)

Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits

Risk factors

Access to plants, Consumption of leaves, stems, or unripe fruits

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting

contact a vet if symptoms appear

The leaves, stems, and unripe fruits of Physalis peruviana contain alkaloids and are considered toxic. As sheep are grazing animals, there is a risk they may consume these plant parts. Ripe fruits are safe for human consumption but are not suitable as feed for sheep.

Open animal page
Goat icon for animal safety ratingGoat

Ripe fruits (in moderation as a treat)

Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits

Risk factors

Access to plant material (leaves, stems), Consumption of unripe fruits

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea)

contact a vet if symptoms appear

The leaves and stems of the Cape gooseberry contain alkaloids and are not suitable for goat consumption. Unripe fruits may also have undesirable effects. Ripe fruits are considered edible for humans, but should only be offered to goats in very small quantities as an occasional treat, as there is no specific safety data for goats.

Open animal page
Cattle icon for animal safety ratingCattle

Ripe fruit (not recommended as feed)

Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits

Risk factors

Access to plants in pasture, Consumption of large quantities, Young animals

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting (in sensitive animals), Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

The leaves, stems, and unripe fruits of Physalis peruviana contain alkaloids that can cause poisoning symptoms in cattle. Ripe fruits are considered edible, but are not a typical feed for cattle and should not be given in large quantities. Ingestion of vegetative plant parts or unripe fruits should be avoided.

Open animal page
Pig icon for animal safety ratingPig

Ripe fruits

Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits

Risk factors

Access to leaves, stems, or unripe fruits, Overconsumption of ripe fruits

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea

contact a vet if symptoms appear

The leaves, stems, and unripe fruits of the Cape gooseberry contain alkaloids and are not suitable for pigs. Ripe fruits may be offered in very small quantities as an occasional treat, but should not be fed regularly or in large amounts to avoid gastrointestinal upset. As pigs tend to root and forage, there is a risk they may ingest the toxic plant parts.

Open animal page

This does not replace veterinary advice. If risky plant parts were ingested or symptoms appear, contact a veterinarian.

Max risk

4 / 5

Highest status

toxic

Urgency

contact a vet if ingested

Saving seed

Physalis peruviana Saving seed

Seed viability

2 - 3 years

Physalis peruviana (Physalis peruviana): seed saving - Fruit, Nightshade family, Harvest July - October
Physalis peruviana: seed saving. harvest: July - October.

Practical tips

Physalis peruviana Practical tips

Common beginner mistakes

Planting outdoors too early, before the risk of frost has passed.Insufficient spacing between plants, leading to poor air circulation and increased disease risk.Over-fertilizing, especially with nitrogen, resulting in excessive foliage growth and reduced fruit production.

Success pattern

Early indoor sowing, timely planting out after the last frost in a warm, sunny location.Consistent but moderate watering and fertilization.Good air circulation and adequate spacing.

High-impact tips

Mulching the soil around the plant helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.A simple stake can prevent the plant from collapsing and keep the fruits clean.Harvesting ripe fruits encourages the plant to produce more flowers and set more fruit.

Grower observations

Many gardeners are surprised by how well the Andean berry thrives in pots on the balcony, as long as it receives enough sun and warmth.The papery husk of the fruit is a great feature that protects the berries and makes them easy to identify.

Plant Profile

Additional plant images

Physalis peruviana (Physalis peruviana): plant portrait - Fruit, Nightshade family, Harvest July - October
Physalis peruviana (Physalis peruviana): whole plant for plant portrait - Fruit, Nightshade family, Harvest July - October

Health

Pests, Diseases

Pests

Aphids

Small, sap-sucking insects that colonize young shoots and undersides of leaves, weakening the plant and potentially transmitting viruses.

Whiteflies

Small, flying insects that settle on the underside of leaves and suck plant sap. They leave behind honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold.

Spider mites

Tiny arachnids that colonize the underside of leaves and suck plant sap. They prefer dry, warm conditions and form fine webs.

Diseases

Powdery mildew

Fungal disease appearing as a white, powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. It weakens the plant and affects fruit development.

Grey mold (Botrytis)

Fungal disease that occurs primarily in damp weather, leading to grey, fuzzy mold on fruits, flowers, and stems. Can cause rot.

Deficiencies

Calcium deficiency

A lack of calcium can lead to growth disorders and problems with fruit development.

Magnesium deficiency

Magnesium is a central component of chlorophyll. Deficiency leads to reduced photosynthetic performance.

Plant health

AphidsWhitefliesSpider mitesPowdery mildewGray moldCalcium deficiencyMagnesium deficiencyFruit dropPoor fruit set

Diagnosis help

Physalis peruviana Diagnosis help

Pest groups

Sucking pests (aphids, whiteflies)Spider mites

Disease groups

Fungal diseases (mildew, grey mold)Bacterial infections

Prevention

Site selection: Warm, sunny, sheltered from wind.Soil care: Loose, humus-rich, well-draining.Plant health: Balanced fertilization, consistent watering.Cultural practices: Correct spacing, good ventilation.Crop rotation: At least 3-4 years break for nightshades.Variety selection: Prefer robust and disease-resistant varieties.Monitoring: Regular checks for pests and diseases.

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for problems. Pay attention to specific symptoms such as discoloration, coatings, feeding damage, or the presence of pests. Compare symptoms with descriptions and images.

Cultural prevention

Choose a warm, sunny, and wind-sheltered location.Ensure a humus-rich, well-draining soil.Maintain adequate plant spacing to ensure ventilation.Avoid waterlogging through good drainage.Incorporate a 3-4 year break in crop rotation.Provide balanced fertilization, avoid over-fertilization with nitrogen.Ensure consistent watering, especially during dry periods.

Monitoring

Regularly inspect leaves (tops and undersides), shoots, and fruits for signs of pests or diseases.Look for discoloration, coatings, feeding damage, or the presence of insects.Check soil moisture and general growing conditions.

First response

For pest infestation: Hose off with water, use beneficial insects (ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps), apply soapy water or rapeseed oil sprays.For fungal diseases: Remove affected parts immediately, spray with milk-water mixture or baking soda solution, improve ventilation.

Diagnostic rules

White, powdery coating on leaves and stems

Possible causes: Powdery mildew physalis

  • Check humidity
  • Improve ventilation
  • Examine affected areas

Grey, fuzzy coating on fruits and flowers

Possible causes: Botrytis physalis

  • Check moisture in the crop
  • Look for plant injuries
  • Isolate affected parts

Sticky residue on leaves, visible small insects on leaf undersides

Possible causes: Aphid infestation physalis

  • Identify insects
  • Determine extent of infestation
  • Observe natural predators

FAQ

When is the best time to sow Andean berries?

Sowing is best done indoors in spring (February to April) as the plants require a long growing season and are frost-sensitive.

How much sun does an Andean berry need?

Andean berries prefer a sunny to partial shade location. Full sun is ideal for best fruit production, but they can tolerate light shade.

Can Andean berries be grown in pots?

Yes, Andean berries are well-suited for growing in pots or containers, provided they are sufficiently large (at least 10-20 liters) and have good drainage.

When are Andean berry fruits ripe?

Fruits are ripe when they have reached their full yellow to orange color and detach easily from their papery husk. The harvest season is typically from July to October.

Are the leaves of the Andean berry edible?

No, only the fruits are edible. The leaves and stems contain alkaloids and are not intended for consumption.

Is Physalis peruviana safe for Dog?

Physalis peruviana is classified as selected parts only for Dog. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. Ripe physalis fruits can be offered in very small quantities as an occasional treat. Leaves, stems, and unripe fruits contain alkaloids and should be considered toxic to dogs. The calyx (husk) should also be removed. Gastrointestinal symptoms may occur if toxic parts are ingested or if ripe fruits are overconsumed.

Is Physalis peruviana safe for Cat?

Physalis peruviana is classified as toxic for Cat. Risk: 4 / 5. Urgency: contact a vet if ingested. Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) belongs to the nightshade family and contains alkaloids in leaves, stems, and unripe fruits that can be toxic to cats. All plant parts except ripe fruits should be kept away from cats. No specific studies on toxicity in cats are available; the classification is based on general plant information and precautions for the Solanaceae family.

Is Physalis peruviana safe for Rabbit?

Physalis peruviana is classified as selected parts only for Rabbit. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. While ripe fruits are considered a treat in very small quantities for some animals, leaves, stems, and unripe fruits contain alkaloids and are not suitable for rabbits. Rabbits are herbivores and may consume these toxic parts.

Is Physalis peruviana safe for Guinea pig?

Physalis peruviana is classified as selected parts only for Guinea pig. Risk: unknown. Urgency: contact a vet if symptoms appear. Ripe fruits can be offered in very small quantities as an occasional treat. Leaves, stems, and unripe fruits contain alkaloids and should not be fed.

Guides

Related guides

Garden guides

Sources

Public sources

  1. Wikidata entity

    Wikidata · 2026-05-11

  2. GBIF species match

    GBIF · 2026-05-11

  3. Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Kapstachelbeere

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-11

  4. English Wikipedia: Physalis peruviana

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-11

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