Physalis peruviana BK09507.2

'Cape Gooseberry'

[Ex. Chavin, Ancash Dept., Peru]

Solanaceae: a perennial growing to 1.2m. Found in coastal regions and disturbed areas. The flowers are yellow with a chocolate blotch centre, blooming from July-October. The flowers are followed by edible bright orange yellow fruits, each is formed within a delicate papery pod. The Leaves are oval and pointed. Native to Southern America - Peru. Naturalized in Central and Southern Europe.

USES:

The fruit is a smooth berry, resembling a miniature, spherical, yellow tomato. Removed from its bladder-like calyx, it is about the size of a marble, about 1–2cm across. Like a tomatillo or tomato, it contains numerous small seeds. It is bright yellow to orange in colour, and it is sweet when ripe, with a characteristic, mildly tart flavour, making it ideal for snacks, pies, or jams. It is relished in salads and fruit salads, sometimes combined with avocado. Also, because of the fruit's decorative appearance, it is popular in restaurants as an exotic garnish for desserts. The fruit is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and some of the B complex.

The leaf juice has been used in the treatment of worms and bowel complaints. The plant is diuretic.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Sow March/April in a greenhouse only just covering the seed. Germination usually takes place in a week or two. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots of rich soil when they are large enough to handle and plant them out after the last expected frosts.

Succeeds in a sheltered position in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Prefers a rich loam but tolerates poor soils. If the soil is too rich it encourages leaf production at the expense of fruiting. It is not very cold-hardy in Britain, however, though it can succeed outdoors as an herbaceous perennial in the mildest areas of the country or when grown in favoured positions such as the foot of a sunny wall. In most areas of Britain, however, it needs to be grown as an annual in much the same way as tomatoes. The plant is usually naturally bushy, but it can be useful to pinch out the growing tip whilst the shoots are less than 30cm tall to encourage side shoots.

HARVESTED: 

APPROX. 200 SEEDS