Physalis, also known as the Andean berry or Cape gooseberry, originally comes from the subtropical areas of South America. Today the plant is also grown in the south of the USA, in India and in some African countries, especially. a. South Africa, drawn. The very easy-care plant thrives even in our latitudes and produces plenty of fruit. The only thing the Physalis doesn't like is frost. With our tips you too can grow Physalis in your garden or on the balcony.
How can I grow Physalis successfully?
Physalis can be grown in gardens or on balconies. Obtain seeds from ripe fruits, sow in seed pots from January to March, plant outdoors after the risk of frost (from mid-May). Physalis prefer sunny, wind-protected places and require little fertilization.
Grow your own Andean berries
Usually the plant is grown from seeds, but you don't have to buy them for expensive money. All you need to do is buy a small bowl of Physalis fruits from the supermarket. You cut these open at home and use a knife to scrape the pulp off onto a piece of kitchen paper. Let it dry there; the seeds can then be collected after a few days and stored in a bag. Sow your home-grown seeds in small seed pots from January / March at the latest and grow the Physalis on the windowsill.
The Andean berry loves the sun
The resulting seedlings are separated (i.e. pricked out) as soon as they have developed two to three additional leaves in addition to the two cotyledons. Now place the young plants in an individual pot and water them regularly. However, fertilizing is not yet necessary. The young Physalis plants can finally go outdoors as soon as night frosts are no longer expected, i.e. from mid to late May at the earliest. Alternatively, culture in a pot is also possible. The Andean berry needs a location with as much sun as possible, but this should be in a windless corner of the garden or balcony. When it comes to the substrate, Physalis are quite undemanding; they thrive on almost any surface. It just shouldn't be too nutrient-rich.
Properly care for Physalis outdoors
The following points should be taken into account when caring for outdoors/gardens:
- Before planting, dig the soil thoroughly and incorporate a little manure or compost.
- The plants should be at least one meter apart.
- If necessary, install a root barrier.
- Water Physalis additionally in dry conditions.
- Fertilizing is usually not necessary.
Cultivate Physalis on the balcony or terrace
If you don't have a garden or want to overwinter your Physalis, you can also cultivate the plant in a sufficiently large pot. This should hold at least 10 liters. In contrast to Physalis planted in the garden, potted plants need to be watered regularly, and fertilizer is occasionally required from around six to eight weeks of age. Physalis should not be kept indoors during the growing season because it is too dark for them - even if the room seems flooded with light to us.
Tip
Given the fact that the Physalis takes about four months from germination to harvesting the first ripe fruits, it makes sense to overwinter the plant and thus accelerate the fruit ripening process. Then you can harvest in July instead of September.