Physalis seeds produce a small orange fruit which is rather like a small tomato covered in a papery brown husk. There are many confusing varieties of physalis but our physalis edulis has a superior edible fruit and is often called Cape Gooseberry, winter cherry or alkekengi.

Physalis can be grown as a perennial but is usually grown as an annual in our climate. Plants should be grown in a warm sheltered area or alternatively, plants can be grown under cover. In July and August the physalis produces pretty star shaped flowers that are followed by the fruit inside the green husk, drying brown. The husk is inedible - the fruit inside is sweet and ideal for salads or even for jams. The fruit can be stored in the husk for months.

SOW: March - May direct to plot
QUANTITY: Each packet contains around 75 seeds
TRANSPLANT: n/a
DISTANCE: about 0.7-meters between rows and 0.3-meters between plants.
HARVEST: September - October

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