cape gooseberry

cape gooseberry

• Position: full sun, but some shading needed in very hot weather
• Soil: any well-drained soil
  
  The succulent, sweet orange berries of cape gooseberries dipped in a frosting of icing sugar or cradled in their paper-thin lacy husks are the ultimate in gourmet chic – yet they're not difficult to grow. You'll get the heaviest crops in a greenhouse, though they will fruit outside: allow plenty of room though as they make big, handsome plants. Cape gooseberries have a high pectin level and make excellent sweet-tasting jam.
  
  
• Growing Instructions:Sow into pots in spring, covering seed lightly with compost. Place on a windowsill or in a frost-free greenhouse to germinate, which may take several weeks. Harden off and plant out once all threat of frost has passed. Support plants with canes and string and keep well watered, feeding every two weeks with liquid tomato feed once flowers form. Pick fruit once they turn orangey-red.
  
  
• Sow: March-May
  
  
• Harvest: September-October
  
  
• Approximate quantity: 35 seeds.
  
  

< Previous Plant Next Plant >