We are new at this forum and somewhat new to growing berries. We would love to grow cape gooseberries. Does anyone know of a nursery in Ontario or farm that has cape gooseberry seeds or plants for sale. These are the yellow orange berries that is enclosed in a husk like leaf and hang off the bush like lanterns. They are often used on Sweet Tables at weddings etc. as ornamental berries scattered around luscious desserts. I have requested information from online Ontario government sources but they take me in circles and wind up at a dead end. Can someone please help!!!!
These seeds are commonly available from catalogs and garden centres. Try an internet search for "Physalis seed". Most are grown as annuals. Physalis pruinosa often called Aunt Molly's' ground cherry, would be a good, fruitful species in your area.
Thanks so much for your help. I really appreciate it. I will do a search right now. Anyone else with information as to where I can pick up the seeds or plants, (cape gooseberries) in Ontario, for spring planting, please let me know. Thanks again.
The Physalis pruinosa (Aunt Molly Ground Cherry) produces well if the weather is hot. This year the fruit is small and not so prolific. The Physalis peruviana (Cape Gooseberry) has larger fruit, but is slow growing and my fruit is not ripe yet. Both have about the same taste and appearance. Seeds are readily available from many places on the Internet. Simply do a Google using the Latin name. Below is my experience regarding both culivars for 2009. I have been growing Ground Cherries for three years, and am not far from your location. http://www.durgan.org/URL/?HHVTD Summary 2009: Physalis pruinosa Common name is Aunt Molly Ground Cherry. http://www.durgan.org/URL/?CYZKN Summary:2009 Physalis peruviana L Common name is Cape Gooseberry. This plant is basically upright as opposed to sprawling low to the ground.
Thanks for the info and advice on planting. That was going to be my next question. I have not been able to find a place that sells them in Ontario. All the sites I'm finding are from the states. Can you advise which sites are in Ontario. 'Thanks again.
I order from the US often. This seeds are simply dropped in an envelope. Here is one supplier of most seeds and plants in Ontario. I use them for some relatively rare plants periodically. http://www.richters.com/
Once again, thank you for your help. I searched the Canadian link and found no cape gooseberries. I used all the latin names, etc as well. Can you please supply me with the US source that you buy your cape gooseberry seeds from. Greatly appreciated.
These are for the Aunt Molly Ground Cherry Physalis pruninosa. http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/ground_cherry.htm http://www.uniquetomatoseeds.com/product/UTS-FR-004 I will have some Physalis peruviana (Giant Cape Gooseberry) seeds with a bit of luck if it stays warm enough to ripen the fruit.
Hi kabry, I grow Physalis peruviana here in Portugal - a very different environment ! i just wanted to say that they germinate very easily here from any mature fruits that fall to the ground and rot away. Perhaps then, you could buy some fruits from the supermarket and get the seeds that way? Good luck Brian
I purchased Aunt Molly's Ground Cherries from Vesey's Seeds in PEI. http://www.veseys.com/ca/en/search?keywords=Aunt+Molly's+Ground+Cherries I also seem to recall that McKenzie Seeds sold them and those seeds are sold everywhere in the stores here and I believe in Ontario too.
