Share your pictures? Hide split images
I have read and agree the terms and conditions of service.

Physalis edulis - Vilmorin seeds

Physalis edulis
Cape gooseberry, Peruvian groundcherry

5,0/5
1 reviews
0 reviews
0 reviews
0 reviews
0 reviews

No comment.

Auguste DABRIOU, 04/09/2016

Leave a review →

Why not try an alternative variety in stock?

39
From 2,90 € Seeds
16
1,50 € Seeds
Available to order
From 4,50 € Seeds
37
1,50 € Seeds
16
From 1,60 € Seeds
10
30% 5,53 € 7,90 € Seeds
12
From 4,50 € Seeds
18
From 2,90 € Seeds
6
From 2,10 € Seeds
13
20% 1,52 € 1,90 € Seeds
13
From 3,90 € Seeds
44
From 1,60 € Seeds
11
From 4,90 € Seeds

Shipping country:

Schedule delivery date,

and select date in basket

This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

Non-hardy perennial plant that reaches up to 1m (3ft) in height. It is cultivated for its beautiful orange fruits, covered with a calyx, which are consumed raw in fruit salads, or in jams and sauces. Sowing in March - April for harvest in September-October.
Ease of cultivation
Beginner
Height at maturity
1 m
Spread at maturity
40 cm
Soil moisture
Dry soil
Germination time (days)
14 days
Sowing method
Sowing under cover, Sowing under cover with heat
Sowing period March to April
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering time May to September
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Harvest time September to October
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Description

The Peruvian Groundcherry is a perennial but frost-sensitive plant that can reach up to 1m (3ft) in height. It is cultivated for its beautiful orange fruits, covered with a calyx, which are consumed raw in fruit salads, or in jams and sauces. Sow in March - April for a harvest in September-October.

The Physalis or Peruvian Groundcherry originates from South America (Peru, Chile, Colombia) and has acclimatised in many areas such as South Africa or Australia. It produces small yellow to bright orange fruits enclosed in a calyx shaped like a Chinese lantern.

The fruit has a slightly acidic flavour which resembles that of a tangerine. This variety can grow as large as a large cherry or even a small apricot. The exotic silhouette of the calyx proves, once again, that the vegetable garden can be both nourishing and aesthetically pleasing. Sowing takes place from May to July and the harvest of the calyxes occurs from August to October.

The Physalis or  Groundcherry belongs to the Solanaceae family and produces trailing stems, which help it achieve its beautiful spreading habit. Flowering takes place in summer and is followed by fruiting from September to October, resembling a coral-coloured paper lantern. The drying of the calyx exposes the nervature and gives a lace-like effect, then reveals, enclosed, the fruit inside: a caged treasure. They contain a multitude of small seeds that self-sow from one year to the next. Today, physalis is used for decoration on pastries but also in compotes, jams, clafoutis, and in more spicy preparations like the Mexican sauce Salsa verde. And it has always been used in herbal medicine, being renowned for its detoxifying and antioxidant properties. Warning: the berries are toxic when consumed green!

Harvest: Physalia peruviana is harvested from August when the fruits have taken on their most beautiful golden yellow colour and the calyx is very parchment-like. One plant can yield 250 to 300 fruits.

Storage: physalis fruits are generally consumed fresh. They can be stored for a few days in the vegetable compartment of your refrigerator. They can also be dried. They should be left in a dry and well-ventilated place, without touching each other, and can be stored for a few months.

Gardener's tip: physalis plants are sometimes prone to infestations of whiteflies. These small insects, belonging to the same family as aphids, are only a nuisance if they are present in large numbers. A peppermint infusion or even a spray of water mixed with black soap will get rid of them without resorting to chemicals. Natural predators of aphids such as ladybirds or lacewings are also to be favoured.

Physalis edulis - Vilmorin seeds in pictures

Physalis edulis - Vilmorin seeds (Harvest) Harvest

Harvest

Harvest time September to October
Type of vegetable Fruit vegetable
Vegetable colour pink
Size of vegetable Medium
Interest Flavour, Nutritional value, Colour, Productive
Flavour Sour
Use Table, Jam, Cooking

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1 m
Spread at maturity 40 cm
Growth rate fast

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour dark green
Aromatic? Fragrant foliage when creased

Botanical data

Genus

Physalis

Species

edulis

Family

Solanaceae

Other common names

Cape gooseberry, Peruvian groundcherry

Origin

South America

Annual / Perennial

Perennial

Product reference28141

Planting and care

Location: Physalis comes from tropical regions but it has adapted remarkably well to temperate climes. However, it has retained its preference for warmth and sunlight from its origins and its fear of cold. Not hardy, it withers in temperatures below 10°C (50°F) and dies in minus temperatures. That's why it should be placed where it can benefit from maximum hours of sunlight.

Sowing in trays: from March to May, fill trays with special sowing soil and then add your seeds, which you will lightly press down. Cover them with a light layer of the same soil. Water with the watering can. Germination is quite long, but when the seedlings have reached 3 to 4 leaves, you can transplant them into a larger container or plant them in the ground as soon as frost is no longer a concern.

Sowing in the ground: sow in place when the soil is well warmed up, from May to July, under half a centimetre of soil, every 30 cm (12in). The ideal temperature is 19°C (66.2°F). Water with the watering can. You need to be patient as the seedlings only appear after three weeks. When they have 3 to 4 leaves, thin them out, leaving only the strongest plants, making sure to space them 90 cm (35in) to 1m (3ft) apart in all directions. To obtain beautiful bushes, water them regularly.

As a reminder, Physalis can be invasive in regions where winters are mild. Flowering occurs in August and fruiting from September to October.

16
14,50 € Each
6
19,50 €

Seedlings

Sowing period March to April
Sowing method Sowing under cover, Sowing under cover with heat
Germination time (days) 14 days

Care

Soil moisture Tolerant
Disease resistance Good
Pruning No pruning necessary

Intended location

Type of use Container, Vegetable garden
Hardiness Hardy down to -29°C (USDA zone 5) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Soil well drained and rich in organic matter
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light), 187
5/5
No reviews
No reviews
No reviews
No reviews

Vegetable seeds

6
From 5,90 € 8/9 cm pot
6
From 6,90 € 8/9 cm pot
12
30% 3,43 € 4,90 € Seeds
16
From 3,90 € Seeds
19
From 5,90 € Seeds
10
From 8,90 € 8/9 cm pot
21
From 3,90 € 7/8 cm pot
16
From 3,90 € Seeds

Haven't found what you were looking for?

We only deliver seed and bulb products to your country. If you add other products to your basket, they cannot be shipped.